Natriuretic action of manidipine hydrochloride, a new calcium channel blocker, in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Effects of manidipine, a new dihydropyridine derivative, on sodium and water excretion were examined in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats. Manidipine (3 mg/kg) significantly increased the sodium and water excretion in the urine collected for 3 hr after the calcium antagonist was orally administered, and its natriuretic action was more prominent than those of nifedipine and nicardipine (3 mg/kg). These results suggest that manidipine may be useful for treating hypertension.