[Effect of captopril in essential hypertension (author's transl)]

The angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril (SQ 14225) was proposed as first treatment in 12 cases of uncomplicated essential hypertension maintained on unrestricted sodium intake (group I). Arterial pressure was normalized in 7 patients (subgroup Ia) whilst hydrochlorothiazide was added to captopril in 5 patients (subgroup Ib). A significant dose-response curve between the dose of captopril (range 75 to 450 mg/day) and the antihypertensive effect was obtained with a maximum at 300 mg/day. In 8 patients (group II) hydrochlorothiazide was proposed first and the addition of captopril was necessary in 4 cases. No relationship between pretreatment PRA and the maximum effect of captopril was observed (r = -0.34, NS). No disturbance of upright blood pressure regulation was noted. Adverse reaction consisted of 4 cases of benign and spontaneously regressive skin rash or pruritus.