The efficacy and tolerability of nifedipine (NIF) and nisoldipine (NIS) both alone and combined with a beta-blocker in patients with essential hypertension: a multicenter, parallel-group study.

We have assessed the efficacy and tolerance of Nifedipine twice daily and Nisoldipine once daily, both alone and in combination with a beta-blocker in 171 essential hypertensives in a randomized parallel comparison fashion. Both drugs were equally effective in lowering blood pressure: 72.6% of the subjects on Nisoldipine and 80.5% of those on Nifedipine reached a supine diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mmHg. Spontaneously reported side effects were frequent but no biochemical, hematological or electrocardiographic abnormalities were detected.