[Effectiveness and tolerance of benazepril versus captopril in patients with hypertension]

A double blind placebo-controlled trial was performed to evaluate antihypertension efficacy and tolerance of a new inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme benazepril (a single daily dose 10-20 mg) versus captopril (50 mg 1-2 times daily) in 30 patients with mild and moderate hypertension. Monotherapy with benazepril continued 8 weeks. Antihypertension efficacy of benazepril made up 71%, of captopril 64%. Side effects occurred in 2 patients on benazepril and 1 on captopril. These two drugs produced no negative effects on renal function, electrolyte and lipid metabolism, but induced glucose lowering. Thus, benazepril single daily administration in patients with mild and moderate hypertension is effective and is tolerated well.