Nitrendipine monotherapy in severe hypertension.

Nitrendipine is a new dihydropyridine derivative developed specifically for the treatment of hypertension. Oral nitrendipine was administered to twelve patients with severe hypertension (diastolic blood pressure greater than 114 mm/Hg). All antihypertensive drugs were discontinued at least 72 hours prior to nitrendipine administration. The initial dose of nitrendipine was 5 mgs. orally twice daily which was titrated at 2 to 5 day intervals up to a maximum dose of 40 mgs. twice a day. Average pretreatment blood pressure (+/- SD) was 194/118 (28/3) mm/Hg and was 191/122 (25/9) mm/Hg standing. After 7 to 10 days of nitrendipine monotherapy, the average blood pressure had decreased to 170/102 (20/9) mm/Hg supine and 167/106 (19/8) mm/Hg standing. Thirty days of nitrendipine therapy resulted in a further decrease of average blood pressure to 159/96 (18/7) mm/Hg supine and 154/99 (12/12) mm/Hg standing. Average supine pulse (+/- SD) increased from 79.0 (13.9) to 90 (15.7) beats/min. after 7-10 days and to 82 (17) beats/min. after 30 days of therapy. The average total daily dose of nitrendipine was 47.5 mgs. after 30 days. Side effects were minimal and the medication was well tolerated by most patients. It was concluded that nitrendipine is a potent and effective antihypertensive agent in patients with severe hypertension.