[Slow release diltiazem as monotherapy in primary mild to moderate hypertension. A multicenter study].
OBJECTIVE
To study the anti-hypertensive effect and tolerability of diltiazem SR in mild to moderate uncomplicated hypertensive patients.


METHODS
Out-patients (856) with mild to moderate uncomplicated hypertension (diastolic pressure between 95 and 114 mmHg) received 90 mg of diltiazem SR, per oral, twice a day for 20 days. After this period, the non-responders had the dosage increased to 120 mg twice a day while the responders were maintained with the same dosage for 20 days more.


RESULTS
Significative number of patients (77.3%) normalized their blood pressure after 20 days on diltiazem SR therapy. The non-responders had the dosage increased to 120 mg bid for 20 more days. 72% of them achieved normal blood pressure. There were no important side effects with the dosage of 90 and 120 mg bid of diltiazem SR.


CONCLUSIONS
Diltiazem SR may be a good option as initial monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate uncomplicated essential hypertension. It presented a reasonable side effects profile.
Amodeo
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Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, São Paulo.
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004110:Diltiazem
Diltiazem de ação prolongada como monoterapia na hipertensão arterial primária leve a moderada. Estudo multicêntrico.