Nicardipine monotherapy in ambulatory elderly patients with hypertension

The antihypertensive effect of nicardipine was evaluated in 89 ambulatory elderly patients with hypertension through a multicenter trial enrolling patients over the age of 65 years. After a baseline period during which they received placebo, subjects were randomized by an unbalanced assignment to a double-blind comparison of nicardipine (n = 57) and placebo (n = 32). The initial dose of nicardipine was 20 mg every 8 hours, which was then increased to 30 mg if needed. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured 1 and 8 hours after doses at each visit with subjects in both the supine and standing positions. Seventy-six per cent of patients who received nicardipine and 55% who received placebo responded (p less than 0.05). During standing, blood pressure did not decrease significantly from supine levels in either group, but a small, transient increase in heart rate occurred with nicardipine. Adverse reactions (apart from failure to respond) occurred in 8% of those who received nicardipine and 3% who received placebo. Three patients were withdrawn: two for symptoms, nausea, or flushing and one for transient and asymptomatic abnormalities on ECG. Nicardipine is effective and safe as monotherapy in elderly patients with hypertension, causing greater reduction in systolic than in diastolic pressure, but without orthostatic hypotension.