[Moxonidine vs. captopril in minor to intermediate hypertension. Double-blind study of effectiveness and tolerance]

In a randomized double-blind study, the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerance of the imidazoline receptor agonist, moxonidine, were compared with those of the ACE inhibitor, captopril. Included in the trial were 50 ambulatory patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, who were treated for 4 weeks with either 0.2-0.4 mg moxonidine, or 25-50 mg captopril daily. Both substances clearly reduced hypertension; no statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups. Under moxonidine, the mean blood pressure while seated decreased from 176/101 mm Hg to 155/91 mm Hg by the end of treatment; under captopril the corresponding figures were 170/99 and 150/89 mm Hg. Minor transient side effects, for the most part with a doubtful relationship to the treatment, were seen in 5 patients (20%) of the moxonidine group, and in 8 patients (32%) of the captopril group. Thus, in this study, moxonidine and captopril proved to have equivalent antihypertensive efficacy and good tolerability.