Effects of nitrendipine on blood pressure, renin-angiotensin system, and kidney function in essential hypertension

The effects of nitrendipine (10 mg b.i.d.) on blood pressure, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and kidney function (by means of glomerular and tubular function) were studied in comparison to captopril (50 mg b.i.d.) and to nitrendipine (10 mg q.d.) + captopril (25 mg b.i.d.) in 30 untreated essential mild-to-moderate hypertensives. The blood pressure lowering effect was similar with either regimen. Nitrendipine showed an acute and chronic natriuretic effect not accompanied by modifications of kidney function. All regimens were well tolerated by the patients without any appreciable side effects over the 4-week study period.