Verapamil in the treatment of hypertension

A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial was carried out in 17 hypertensive patients to evaluate the hypotensive efficacy and safety of verapamil. Verapamil in doses of 120 mg thrice daily was compared with pindolol in doses of 7.5 mg twice daily. A thiazide diuretic was given with both drugs. Blood pressure fell about 14/11 mm Hg during treatment with either drug compared to the placebo period, and neither drug caused significant side effects. Verapamil did not affect plasma renin concentration.