title: Nifedipine and systemic hypertension.
abstract: Nifedipine reduces blood pressure predominantly by reducing systemic vascular resistance due to a direct vasodilating action on the arterioles. This peripheral vasodilation appears greater the more severe the hypertension. Studies have demonstrated an additive effect of beta blockers and converting-enzyme inhibitors in patients not controlled with nifedipine alone. Although there is a controversy about whether diuretics have an additive effect on blood pressure in patients already taking nifedipine, it would appear that the blood pressure-lowering effect of thiazide is blunted. Studies have shown that a high sodium intake may enhance the acute blood pressure-lowering effect of nifedipine. Nifedipine does cause a long-term reduction in sodium balance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, England.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: MacGregor
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics; D012982:Sodium, Dietary; D009543:Nifedipine