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Antihypertensive monotherapy with nitrendipine in general practice
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Kantonsspital Basel, Switzerland.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Nitrendipine, a calcium antagonist, effectively treated mild to moderate essential hypertension in a 6-week trial. This monotherapy achieved goal blood pressure in 72% of patients, showing promise for first-line hypertension treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a widespread condition requiring effective management.
- Calcium antagonists are a key class of antihypertensive medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of nitrendipine as a monotherapy for mild to moderate essential hypertension.
- To assess nitrendipine's effectiveness in a general practice setting.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week open trial involving 768 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.
- Patients received nitrendipine monotherapy, with flexible dosing (10-40 mg/day) based on blood pressure response.
- Previous antihypertensive therapy was discontinued for one week prior to initiating nitrendipine.
Main Results:
- Nitrendipine monotherapy achieved goal blood pressure in 72% of patients.
- Adverse effects, primarily headaches, flushes, and ankle edema, led to premature discontinuation in 134 patients, mostly within the first 3 weeks.
- Older patients (>65 years) exhibited a more significant reduction in systolic and mean arterial pressure.
Conclusions:
- Nitrendipine is an effective monotherapy for mild to moderate essential hypertension in a general practice setting.
- Once-daily administration and efficacy across age groups support its use as a first-line treatment.
- Consideration of starting with a lower dose might reduce the incidence of side effects.