ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
Key words Felodipine ER
;
Hypertension
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Objective: This double-blind, placebo-controled randomized study was designed to compare the antihypertensive effect and tolerability of extended-release felodipine and slow-release nifedipine retard in elderly hypertensive patients. Methods: Thirty patients of both sexes (mean age 71 years) with mild to moderate essential hypertension were recruited from our hypertension outpatient clinic. After a 2-week placebo period, felodipine extended-release (felodipine ER), 10 mg once daily, nifedipine slow-release retard (nifedipine SR), 20 mg twice daily or placebo were administered to each patient for 2 weeks according to a 3 × 3 latin-square design. At the end of each treatment period, the patients underwent 24-h noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. Results: All of the patients completed the trial and no serious adverse experience was reported. In comparison with placebo, felodipine and nifedipine decreased mean 24-h diastolic blood pressure by 6.7 and 4.3 mmHg, respectively, with no significant difference between the two drugs. Mean 24-h systolic blood pressure also decreased after felodipine and nifedipine, with no difference between the two drugs. Both drugs reduced blood pressure variability, lowering the 24-h mean standard deviation of mean hourly blood pressure values. The trough:peak ratio for felodipine was 80% for systolic and 75% for diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Felodipine ER once daily lowers blood pressure in elderly hypertensives and is as effective as nifedipine SR twice daily. The high trough:peak ratio suggests that the dose and the between-dose interval of felodipine provides adequate therapeutic coverage.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002280050344
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