Nitrendipine in treatment of hypertension

Twenty-three mild and moderate essential hypertensive patients, 3 males and 20 females without any complications were given nitrendipine or Baypress, a new calcium antagonist, 10-20 mg once daily for 23 weeks. The blood pressure of all 23 patients was significantly reduced (p = less than 0.01) in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. No serious side effects were observed. There were only headache (4 cases), palpitation (2 cases), and paroxysmal ventricular contraction (1 case). No hematological, urinalysis and biochemical changes of kidney and liver functions, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride except for sodium and potassium which were raised and weight reduction was observed. All patients tolerated the drug very well. We conclude that, nitrendipine is safe and suitable for management of mild and moderate uncomplicated essential hypertension.