French large-scale study evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of lacidipine

In a large, open, multicenter study, 2,206 outpatients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension were recruited by 755 cardiologists throughout France. Patients received treatment with lacidipine for 12 weeks at a dose of 2-6 mg once daily. In 1,637 evaluable patients, lacidipine was shown to reduce blood pressure from a mean of 173/101 mm Hg at baseline to 147/85 mm Hg after 12 weeks, with negligible effects on heart rate. Adverse events were experienced by 29% of patients, of which only 20% were definitely or probably related to lacidipine; these adverse events were generally mild and led to premature discontinuation of treatment in only 8.7% of cases. Overall assessment of efficacy and tolerability by practitioners was very satisfactory. Acceptability and ease of use were assessed highly by the large majority of patients. Subgroup analysis of patients > or = 65 years showed no significant difference when compared to younger patients in terms of efficacy and tolerability. The current study therefore confirms, in a large study population and in general practice, that lacidipine, in a once-daily dose of 2-6 mg, has a significant antihypertensive effect and is well tolerated.