Sublingual nifedipine in hypertensive emergencies with special reference to cerebrovascular accident

Effect of sublingual nifedipine was evaluated in 39 cases of hypertensive emergencies (diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 120 mm Hg with impending organ failure, loss of vital function or death). It was found to be effective (95%), safe, with prompt (with 15 minutes) and predictable response (lowering of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure by 30% at the end of 3 hours), and few adverse effects. Its use in patients of cerebrovascular accident (24 cases) was found to be effective and safe without any significant clinical problem or increased mortality.