Nisoldipine--a new orally administered calcium antagonist used in the treatment of severe postpartum pregnancy-induced hypertension. Preliminary results.
The calcium antagonist nisoldipine (Bayer-Miles) was given orally (20 mg, 8-hourly) in the management of 12 selected cases of severe postpartum pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Each patient acted as her own control in this pilot study. A rapid fall in systolic (P less than 0.01) and diastolic (P less than 0.01) blood pressure was seen within 30 minutes of initiation of therapy, and significantly reduced levels of blood pressure were maintained with repeated nisoldipine administration for the duration of the study period (24 hours). There were no significant changes in the heart rate at any time during the study. There were no adverse reactions, despite the relatively high dose used. This is the first reported study on the use of nisoldipine in the management of severe PIH. The efficacy and the potential advantages of this oral calcium antagonist, as shown in these preliminary findings, should stimulate further controlled investigation of this agent in PIH.
Belfort
M A
MA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town.
Kirshon
B
B
D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015737:Nisoldipine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
D015737:Nisoldipine