Comparison of two combined diuretics in the treatment of essential hypertension.

The efficacy and safety of two combination drugs, consisting of a diuretic + a K-sparing agent, were investigated in the treatment of essential hypertension. A double-blind, randomized, parallel group study design was employed. After randomization, 14 patients were treated with 10 mg xipamide + 30 mg triamterene (A) and 16 with 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide + 50 mg triamterene (B). The patients suffered from essential hypertension with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) at entry of greater than or equal to 150 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of greater than or equal to 95 mmHg. After 6 weeks, mean decline in DBP was 12% in group A and 9% in group B, respectively. With treatment A, one patient became hypokalemic and with treatment B one patient became hyperkalemic.