[Usefulness of captopril as monotherapy and combination therapy in the treatment of arterial hypertension].

The efficacy and tolerance of captopril was prospectively studied as monotherapy for blood hypertension (BH), as well as combined modality with thiazides diuretic and nifedipine as a third drug. 95 cases of BH were followed up for a period of 6 months. 43.15% of the patients who received monotherapy with captopril were controlled (diastolic BP less than 95 mmHg). Those patients who had a diuretic added showed a response of 71.75% and those administered 3 drugs showed a response of 81.25%. The decrease of BH was significant in all groups (p less than 0.01). There was a significant correlation (p less than 0.01) between the response to monotherapy and severity of BH (mild BH 67.50% and severe BH 35.20%). 6.5% of patients abandoned the treatment because of secondary effects. No alterations were noted in the blood test. Monotherapy with captopril is effective in control of mild and moderate BH. In resistant patients, the addition of a diuretic and nifedipine retard as a third drug is useful and well-tolerated in any type of BH severity.