A comparison of once daily versus twice daily nisoldipine as monotherapy in patients over 65 years of age.
The antihypertensive effect of the calcium antagonist nisoldipine was investigated in 33 elderly hypertensive patients. This randomised double-blind study involved a dose titration of both once and twice daily nisoldipine from 5 mg up to a maximum of 20 mg/day, with placebo treatment both before and after nisoldipine. Blood pressure measurements were made 12/24 h post-dose to assess 24 h blood pressure control. The majority of patients required a daily dose of 20 mg. There were no significant differences seen between the two treatment regimens. Nisoldipine given either once or twice daily, significantly reduced blood pressure when compared to baseline values. Three patients withdrew from the study because of adverse events whilst on nisoldipine once daily treatment. Overall the incidence of adverse event was higher on once daily treatment, although the majority were mild and did not require withdrawal of treatment. Nisoldipine effectively lowered the blood pressure of these elderly hypertensive patients and was reasonably well-tolerated.
Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale, UK.
G K
GK
Davidsson
D J
DJ
Smithard
J S
JS
Edwards
C
C
Davidson
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D015737:Nisoldipine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos