[Antihypertensive therapy using metipamide VUFB]

In a group of 17 patients with mild hypertension the antihypertensive effect of Metipamide VUFB was investigated. In the course of fourteen weeks' treatment the mean blood pressure declined from 20.5/13.3 kPa to 17.3/11.2 kPa and at the end of the investigation the diastolic blood pressure readings were normal in all patients. Echocardiography revealed a slight decline of the total peripheral resistance. The natriuretic effect was confirmed which is in the foreground of the antihypertensive action of metipamide. Investigation of side-effects of treatment revealed in 12 patients hypokaliaemia calling for substitution treatment, or when used clinically, a combination with a potassium sparing diuretic. There was a rise of the AST and ALT activity. The renal function did not change. The clinically significant drop of serum uric acid was striking. Glucose tolerance and serum lipids were not affected.