Co-dergocrine plasma concentrations and blood pressure changes in hypertensive patients during therapy with slow-release co-dergocrine mesylate.

In a placebo controlled trial in 20 patients (mean age 38 years) with mild/moderate essential hypertension 4.5 mg slow-release co-dergocrine mesylate was administered once daily for 6 weeks and antihypertensive effects and plasma co-dergocrine concentrations determined 9 hours post-dose. Mean plasma co-dergocrine concentrations were 299 pg/ml, 357 pg/ml and 331 pg/ml measured after 2-, 4-, and 6-weeks administration respectively. Despite these relatively low concentrations there were statistically significant reductions in supine (-6/-6 mmHg), standing (-9/-8 mmHg) and exercise (-8/-5 mmHg) systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Blood glucose fell progressively and was 10% lower (p less than 0.02) after 6 weeks medication. Clinical and laboratory parameters showed that slow-release co-dergocrine mesylate was well tolerated with negligible adverse reactions.