Effect of nitrendipine in mild or moderate essential hypertensive subjects with type II diabetes

The antihypertensive effect of nitrendipine, 20 mg once daily was studied in 30 patients with mild or moderate hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus under metabolic control. Blood pressure was measured at the end of a 15-day washout period from previous antihypertensive treatment and on the 15th, 30th, 60th, and 90th day of treatment. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced by nitrendipine. The reduction involved lying and orthostatic blood pressure and was maintained throughout the treatment period. Heart rate, fasting and postprandial glycemia, and lipid profile were not significantly affected by nitrendipine. It is concluded that this drug effectively lowers blood pressure in diabetic hypertensive subjects with no alteration of lipid and glucose metabolism.