Enalaprilat in hypertensive emergencies

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are crucial in managing hypertension.
• Enalaprilat is the intravenous form and parent compound of oral enalapril.
• Accelerated hypertension requires effective and safe therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous enalaprilat in patients with asymptomatic accelerated hypertension.
• To determine the optimal dosing regimen for enalaprilat in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 11 patients with asymptomatic accelerated hypertension.
• Administration of escalating doses of intravenous enalaprilat (1 mg, 10 mg, 40 mg) and furosemide (40 mg).
• Monitoring of mean arterial pressure and assessment of adverse reactions and laboratory values.

Main Results:

• Six out of 11 patients (55%) showed a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure.
• Four patients were partial responders, and one was a nonresponder.
• No adverse reactions or significant changes in laboratory values were observed.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous enalaprilat is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for uncomplicated accelerated hypertension.
• The drug's safety profile allows for its use without significant risk, even in nonresponding patients.