Double-blind controlled trial of molsidomine in hypertension

Molsidomine (M), a new long-lasting antianginal compound, was studied in 38 hypertensive patients to assess its antihypertensive properties. Six patients were selected for an acute, single dose comparative trial with placebo over 8 h after treatment. The remaining 32 patients were used in a 1 month trial to study the effect on BP of more prolonged treatment. Systolic, diastolic and mean BP were significantly reduced after a single dose of M 4 mg, and the effect lasted for about 8 h. M also inhibited the hypertensive response to isometric exercise in handgrip tests performed 1 and 8 h after M ingestion. A dose-related decrease in systolic and diastolic BP in the one month trial was also observed. In addition to its antianginal properties, M appears to possess an interesting effect on BP in mildly to moderately hypertensive patients. A fall in BP is also a valuable effect in coronary patients with augmented metabolic demands of the heart.