Prolonged antihypertensive effect of amlodipine: a prospective double-blind randomized study.
Amlodipine is a calcium antagonist with a long elimination half-life (35 to 50 h) allowing a once daily dosing in the treatment of hypertension. This randomized, double-blind study was performed to assess the residual antihypertensive effect of amlodipine 5 mg O.D. 3 days after discontinuing therapy in previously well-controlled mild to moderate hypertensive patients. Blood pressure (BP) was evaluated by conventional (OBP) and by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Amlodipine 5 mg OD administered during a 6-week period, significantly reduced both OBP and ABPM mean values (p < 0.05), whereas no change in heart rate was observed. At the end of the active treatment period, adequately controlled patients were randomized either to amlodipine 5 mg OD (group A) or amlodipine for 12 days followed by a 3-day period on placebo. After this double-blind treatment phase, group P exhibited no significant increase in BP (assessed by OBP or ABPM) when compared to group A. In conclusion, the duration of action of amlodipine extends largely beyond the 24-h span, and when patients omit their treatment for 3 days BP does not significantly increase.
Biston
P
P
Hypertension Clinic, Hôpital Erasme-Brussels, Belgium.
Mélot
C
C
Degaute
J P
JP
Clement
D
D
Quoidbach
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017311:Amlodipine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D017311:Amlodipine