[Randomized double-blind study of delayed-action verapamil as a single dose versus 2 doses daily in patients with...

The antihypertensive action of sustained release verapamil is, in the majority of cases, obtained with a dosage of 240 mg per day. In certain patients, it is necessary to increase the daily dose to 360 or even 480 mg. This dosage increase most often leads to twice daily administration. In the present trial (18 patients included), the efficacy 360 mg of sustained release verapamil was compared double-blind with that of 360 mg as two divided doses. The antihypertensive action of sustained release verapamil as a single dose was shown to be identical to that of two daily doses. It is therefore felt to be unnecessary to increase the number of daily doses in parallel with dosage increases. There is absolutely no doubt that single dose monotherapy leads to better compliance.