Comparison of two formulations of nifedipine during 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if one commercial extended-release formulation of nifedipine (Adalat CC) is as effective as another (procardia XL) in controlling blood pressure over 24 hours.


METHODS
Open-label, randomized, crossover study.


METHODS
University-affiliated family medicine clinic.


METHODS
Fifteen patients with stage 1-4 primary hypertension.


METHODS
Procardia XL or Adalat CC once/day was titrated to achieve blood pressure control. The effective dose was continued for 4 weeks, washed out for 1 week, and reinstituted with other study drug.


RESULTS
Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure was recorded the conclusion of each treatment phase. Treatment phases were compared for mean 24-hour blood pressure, mean daytime (6:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.) and mean nighttime blood pressure, and mean blood pressure load (percentage of blood pressure measurements > 140/90 mm Hg daytime and > 120/80 mm Hg nighttime). Thirteen patients completed the study. No statistically significant difference was seen in mean 24-hour blood pressure (138/86 mm Hg for Procardia XL vs 137/85 mm Hg for Adalat CC), daytime or nighttime blood pressure, or blood pressure load. Two patients experienced clinically significant adverse effects while taking Adalat CC.


CONCLUSIONS
In these patients with primary hypertension, Adalat CC was as effective as Procardia XL at controlling blood pressure for 24 hours. Blood pressure, heart rate, and adverse effects should be monitored 2-4 weeks after any exchange of Adalat CC for Procardia XL.
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA.
M C
MC
Granberry
S F
SF
Gardner
E F
EF
Schneider
I R
IR
Carter
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009543:Nifedipine