Amlodipine monotherapy in mild to moderate hypertension

The efficacy and safety of amlodipine was evaluated in 20 patients of mild to moderate hypertension in a single blind, placebo controlled, noncomparative study. Patients with a baseline diastolic blood pressure of > 90 and < 115 mmHg while on placebo were admitted to a 4 week active treatment phase. Amlodipine produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in mean systolic (177 mmHg to 145 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (106 mmHg to 84 mmHg) after 4 weeks treatment in all patients. 95% of the patients had their diastolic blood pressure reduced to < or = 90 mmHg by the end of the study period. There was no significant change in heart rate or in the laboratory parameters with amlodipine therapy. Seven patients reported mild to moderate adverse events which did not require discontinuation of therapy. This combination of efficacy and tolerability, together with convenience of once daily dosing, should ensure the usefulness of amlodipine in the treatment of hypertension.