The efficacy and tolerance of indapamide in essential hypertension: a multi-centre study in 981 patients

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Abstract
A multi-centre open trial involving 150 cardiologists throughout France was undertaken to assess the efficacy and tolerance of indapamide in the treatment of essential hypertension. An identical protocol was used by all of the cardiologists. A total of 981 patients (mean age 58 years) was included in the trial after an observation period of 1 month during which blood pressure was recorded regularly. Patients were included if they had permanent essential hypertension with a diastolic pressure of 95 mmHg or more. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures at the end of the initial observation period were 179/103 mmHg. The treatment period lasted for 4 months during which the patients received 1 tablet of indapamide (2.5 mg) each morning. Blood pressure was measured after 6 and 16 weeks of treatment, and clinical and biological acceptability was also assessed. After 6 weeks of treatment, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels decreased to 158/90 mmHg: after 16 weeks these mean figures were 150/86 mmHg. Blood pressure levels became normal with indapamide treatment alone in 80% of patients. A slight decrease in serum potassium levels was noted in the first 6 weeks of treatment and then became stable. Clinical acceptability was considered good or excellent in 89% of cases and few non-specific side-effects were reported.