A randomized comparison of a conventional dose, a low dose and alternate-day dosing of bendrofluazide in hypertensive patients.
OBJECTIVE
To compare 2.5 mg bendrofluazide daily (the standard antihypertensive dose), 1.25 mg bendrofluazide daily and 2.5 mg bendrofluazide on alternate days, in terms of reduction of blood pressure, patient compliance and adverse effect profile.


METHODS
A single-blind parallel group trial of patients who were randomly assigned to 16 weeks' treatment with bendrofluazide at doses of 2.5 mg daily, 1.25 mg daily and 2.5 mg every other day after a 4-week placebo run-in period.


METHODS
General practices in the greater Belfast and Lisburn area in Northern Ireland.


METHODS
Ninety-three patients with newly diagnosed or previously diagnosed hypertension, who had a mean diastolic blood pressure of 90-110 mmHg after receiving placebo for 4 weeks.


METHODS
Reduction in blood pressure, patient compliance and changes in biochemical variables.


RESULTS
Sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures in members of all three groups were significantly lowered with respect to baseline (P < 0.01) with no differences among groups. Overall mean compliance was 97%. No clear relation between dose and biochemical changes was apparent.


CONCLUSIONS
Bendrofluazide at doses of 1.25 mg daily or 2.5 mg every other day reduces blood pressure as effectively as does the conventional 2.5 mg daily regimen.
Girvin
B
B
Drug Utilization Research Unit, The Queen's University of Belfast, UK.
Johnston
G D
GD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001539:Bendroflumethiazide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004232:Diuretics; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; D001539:Bendroflumethiazide; D002784:Cholesterol; D011188:Potassium