[Antihypertensive pharmacotherapy with the vasodilators captopril and endralazine]

A comparative, controlled, open hypertension study using the direct vasodilator endralazine and the ACE-inhibitor captopril in combined therapy for severe and moderately severe hypertension is described. Both vasodilators cause an approximately 20% reduction in supine and upright blood pressure. Extreme side effects such as hematological alterations, autoimmune states or uncontrollable water retention were not observed. Subjective symptoms, particularly severe headaches, were especially evident after endralazine use. This side effect may possibly be eliminated by gradual titration over several weeks.