Nifedipine and acebutolol in combination for the treatment of moderate to severe essential hypertension.
In a randomised, crossover study of patients with moderate to severe essential hypertension, the effects of the calcium entry antagonist nifedipine and the beta-receptor blocking drug acebutolol were studied on their own, and in combination. After 4 weeks of nifedipine tablets 20 mg twice daily (Adalat, Bayer), mean supine blood pressure (BP) fell by 20 mmHg and after 4 weeks of acebutolol 200 mg twice a day (Sectral, May & Baker) by 11 mmHg. When nifedipine and acebutolol were given in combination in the above doses for 4 weeks, there was a significantly greater fall in BP than with either agent alone, supine mean arterial pressure falling by 27 mmHg. The above BPs were measured 2 h after the last dose of tablets. Measurements 12 h after the last dose showed smaller falls in BP, with a significantly greater fall with combination treatment than with acebutolol alone. The fall in BP 12 h after the last dose of the combination was greater than with nifedipine alone but this difference was not statistically significant. This randomised, controlled study showed that nifedipine and acebutolol have a marked additive effect on BP which is sustained for at least 12 h after treatment.
Singer
D R
DR
Department of Medicine, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, UK.
Markandu
N D
ND
Shore
A C
AC
MacGregor
G A
GA
D000070:Acebutolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011897:Random Allocation; D012083:Renin / Q000097:blood
D000070:Acebutolol; D012083:Renin; D009543:Nifedipine