Treatment of severe hypertension and hypertensive crises with nifedipine.

The calcium channel blocker nifedipine is an effective antihypertensive agent for the treatment of severe hypertension and hypertensive crises. It produces a prompt, predictable and consistent reduction in systemic arterial pressure with minimal adverse effects. The blood pressure reduction is inversely correlated with the pretreatment blood pressure level. Various nonparenteral administration forms-oral, sublingual, buccal and rectal-permit a versatile, noninvasive, cost-effective alternative to parenteral antihypertensive therapy and continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Blood pressure is reduced to the goal level in 98% of patients with a 10- to 20-mg dose of nifedipine. Hemodynamic changes are favorable and morbidity is uncommon.