A double-blind randomized cross-over study of the efficacy and tolerability of nifedipine and nitrendipine in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

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Abstract
1. In order to examine whether nitrendipine was superior to slow release nifedipine as monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension, the two agents were administered to 22 patients in a double‐blind randomized cross‐over study, incorporating low and titrated dose regimes. 2. Six patients failed to complete the study because of vasodilator side‐effects such as headache, flushing and ankle swelling. Three were taking nitrendipine and three took nifedipine and all withdrawals occurred at the introduction of the drug. 3. Both agents reduced blood pressure in the 16 patients who completed the study, and neither agent was superior to the other; mean blood pressure after the placebo phase was 177 +/‐ 5.5/100 +/‐ 2.6 mm Hg supine and 175 +/‐ 5.3/113 +/‐ 2.4 mm Hg standing. At the end of therapy with nifedipine pressures were 160 +/‐ 4.0/91 +/‐ 3.0 mm Hg supine and 158 +/‐ 4.6/103 +/‐ 2.7 mm Hg standing. After 8 weeks treatment with nitrendipine blood pressures were 162 +/‐ 4.4/90 +/‐ 2.9 mm Hg supine and 161 +/‐ 6.2/104 +/‐ 2.7 mm Hg standing. Comparisons of these attained blood pressures on both agents showed no statistically significant differences. 4. Nitrendipine did not appear to be effective on a once daily basis.