[Sustained release verapamil in essential hypertension]

The efficacy of sustained release verapamil (Ikapress) was investigated in 237 hypertensive patients of both sexes in a multicenter trial in family practice. There were 4 groups: patients without previous treatment and those treated with nifedipine, with atenolol, or with a combination of drugs. After 4-7 days of washout, all those with diastolic pressures of 95 mm Hg or above received once daily 240 mg of verapamil for 8 weeks. 27 cases had to be withdrawn because of adverse effects: weakness in 10, constipation in 6, rash in 4, impotence in 3, and in 4, other reasons. In 177 blood pressure was brought under control after 4 weeks of treatment. An additional 33 were controlled after 4 weeks of 360 mg of sustained release verapamil. Response to treatment was similar in the 4 trial groups. Mean systolic and diastolic pressures fell 19 and 16 mm Hg, respectively, and mean pulse rate decreased by 5 beats/min. Constipation was the only side-effect reported by those who completed the trial. However, there was a significant reduction in initial scores for headache, dizziness, numbness and edema after 8 weeks of verapamil and all indices of quality of life were significantly improved. These included scores for general well-being, physical fitness, social activity, job fitness, sexual activity, sleep, concentration and mood. Scores for daytime sleepiness and fatigue also decreased significantly. Thus, sustained-release verapamil in a daily dose of 240-360 mg was shown to be an effective antihypertensive. It had few adverse effects and gave considerable improvement in quality of life.