Acute and Short-Term Effects of a New Calcium Antagonist in Hypertension

Nitrendlpioe (Bay e 5009) is a new calcium antagonist antihypertenslve agent similar in structure and function to nifedlplne. Nitreodipine was tested in a range of single and repeated doses in 10 adult males with uncomplicated mild to moderate hypertension. The treatment goal was reduction of diastollc blood pressure to 90 mm Hg or less. The dose that achiered goal Mood pressure ranged between 10 and 30 mg. Systolic and diastollc blood pressure began to fall within 15 minutes following ingestion of single oral doses of nitrendipine. The maximum effect of the drag was achieved in 60 to 90 minutes and remained at approximately this level for 6 to 8 hours. The average reduction in supine diastolic was more than twice as great as the fall in systolic blood pressure. With continuous doses given three times daily, all patients' blood pressures were as low or lower than the maximal effect observed after single doses. The reduction in blood pressure was sustained for the full 3 weeks of treatment. There was a sustained small increase in pulse rate averaging 6 beats/min. The drug was generally well tolerated by most patients. Mild to moderate headache that resolved with continued treatment was the most frequent side effect. This preliminary trial indicates that nitrendipine is an effective antihypertensive agent that merits further study. (Hypertension 4 (suppl II): II-32-II-35, 1982)