Duration of antihypertensive effect of a single daily dose of hydrochlorothiazide

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Abstract
To assess the duration of antihypertensive effect of a single daily dose of the short-acting diuretic hydrochlorothiazide [HC], a double-blind crossover study was performed in 11 patients previously well controlled with diuretics. Each patient received 100 mg of HC in the morning for 12 wk and blood pressure [BP] was recorded 4 times daily (0800 h, 1200 h, 0400 h and 2000 h) on 3 separate visits. The crossover design also included a 12 wk placebo period either preceding or following active therapy. BP control was excellent and sustained throughout the day in all patients studied, indicating that a single daily dose of HC is a suitable regimen for hypertension therapy. The use of a placebo period before initiating the trial and during the active part of the trial confirmed the observation that patients who are adequately treated for long periods will maintain lowered BP for a variable period after stopping therapy.