Calcium antagonists: use in hypertension evaluation of calcium antagonists in combination with diuretics.

Hypertensive patients whose elevated blood pressure was not controlled with diuretics alone have received calcium antagonists in addition in several studies reported in the literature. These studies are summarized in this report. The combination was found to be effective in lowering blood pressure to desirable levels with minimal side effects. In the present era lowered doses of antihypertensive agents, particularly diuretics, are advised. The combination of low dose diuretic and calcium blocker is an attractive alternative for those patients for whom a beta-blocker is contraindicated.