Nifedipine in combination therapy for resistant hypertension.
Twenty patients with hypertension uncontrolled by existing therapy with two or three antihypertensive agents (a beta-blocker plus a thiazide diuretic in 10 and with the addition of hydralazine or prazosin in the other 10) were studied to assess the effects of additional long-term administration of nifedipine. Eighteen patients received 10 mg nifedipine 3-times daily and 2 received 20 mg twice daily. Patients were followed-up at monthly intervals. The results showed that mean blood pressure levels were reduced at 1 month and adequate control was achieved and maintained in 12 (60%) of the patients. Five of those who continued with the combined treatment remained non-responders and 3 patients had to stop nifedipine because of side-effects (flushing and headaches). Four other patients reported similar side-effects. No changes were evident in weight, pulse rate or the haematological and biochemical parameters studied.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D011725:Pyridines; D009543:Nifedipine