Short-term and long-term renal response to nifedipine monotherapy

Twenty-six essential hypertensive patients were entered into a protocol to assess the blood pressure and renal effects of the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, nifedipine (30 to 120 mg/d given in divided dosage) administered for twelve weeks. Nifedipine monotherapy effectively lowered blood pressure. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were increased following short-term therapy (four weeks); however, there was no net change in GFR or ERPF (compared to placebo) following long-term therapy (12 weeks). Renal vascular resistance was reduced. The filtration fraction and urinary albumin excretion was unchanged throughout the 12-week protocol. We conclude that nifedipine monotherapy does not adversely effect renal function. Tolerance occurs to the initial renal vasodilator response; hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion do not persist.