Pinacidil, a new vasodilator: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a new retarded release tablet in essential hypertension

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Abstract
In an open study increasing doses of a retarded tablet formulation of pinacidil were given twice daily for four weeks to 9 patients with untreated essential hypertension (WHO I–II). In all patients a decrease in diastolic blood pressure to below 100 mmHg, or a fall exceeding 15 mmHg, was obtained 2 h after tablet intake (ppp<0.05); four patients complained of oedema. Therapy was discontinued in one patient after a fainting episode following an increase in the dose. Thus, pinacidil was able to lower blood pressure during monotherapy for 4 weeks provided that an adequate serum concentration was achieved. The present retarded tablet formulation is not suitable for b. d. dosing. The tendency towards fluid-retention suggests that pinacidil should be used in combination with a diuretic.