[Long-term efficacy and side effect profile of a low-dose bemetizid-triamterene combination in patients with essential hypertension].

As only few data are available on the antihypertensive effectiveness and pattern of adverse reactions to low-dose diuretic treatment, a multicenter study was designed in which 77 patients with essential hypertension (WHO grades I to II) were followed up for one year with a view to answering the above questions. In patients who, at the end of a two weeks' placebo period had diastolic pressure values of more than 90 mmHg treatment was initiated with one daily tablet of a new preparation containing 10 mg bemetizide and 20 mg triamterene, for eight weeks. If, at the end of this interval, the target pressure values of less than 90 mmHg had not been attained, the dose was doubled. Blood pressure measurements (in sitting position) were repeated fortnightly, serum electrolytes, metabolic parameters and urinary triamterene fluorescence determined every four weeks. 56 of the 77 patients stayed on 10/20 mg bemetizide-triamterene for twelve months running. In 13 cases the dose had to be raised. Eight patients dropped out of the study. Average blood pressure values of 56 patients decreased from 169/103 mmHg (at the end of the placebo period) to 145/83 mm Hg after 52 weeks. Diastolic pressure reductions averaged 18 mmHg in 27 patients below the age of 49, 19 mmHg in 22 patients aged between 50 and 65, and 22 mmHg in seven patients older than 65 years. At the end of the 52 weeks' therapy, total serum cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and uric acid were unchanged in comparison to the placebo period in the entire group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)