[The antihypertensive effect of isradipine and additional pharmacodynamic effects]

The authors demonstrated that isradipine reduces the blood pressure assessed at rest in patients with mild to medium severe hypertension. The antihypertensive action was enhanced by administration of beta-blockers. In a loading test the pressor response to strain was reduced in particular as regards diastolic pressure; from this in may be concluded indirectly that a vasodilatating effect is involved. The authors recorded a rise of plasma renin activity which may be associated with previous vasodilatation. Parameters of lipid metabolism were influenced by isradipine. The indifference of isradipine as regards the effect on functions indicated by biochemical screening was again confirmed in the present investigation. The undesirable effects typical for calcium antagonists were manifested in a very small percentage of the investigated subjects and in a small number of repeated examinations. The reason for discontinuation of treatment in one patient was an effects which does not threaten the patient (flush). Isradipine is an effective antihypertensive drug with very good tolerance.