Hypertension in the elderly: review of therapy with a hydroflumethiazide-reserpine combination

A retrospective analysis revealed that 125 geriatric patients had been treated for mild to moderate essential hypertension with a combination drug, each tablet of which contained 50 mg of hydroflumethiazide and 0.125 mg of reserpine. The dosage schedule was one tablet once daily for most patients. The duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 93 months (mean, 22.1 months). After one month of therapy, the decreases in mean systolic (-18.3 mm Hg) and mean diastolic (-6.6 mm Hg) blood pressure were statistically significant and these initial reductions were well maintained over a 6-year period, without signs of tachyphylaxis. Side effects were reported by 53 patients, but these usually were mild and typical of those associated with antihypertensive therapy; discontinuation of treatment was required in only 3 patients. Use of the hydroflumethiazide-reserpine combination was associated with several significant advantages, including convenient once-daily dosing, improved compliance, and decreased cost.