Antihypertensive effect of a new calcium channel blocker, FK 235, in essential hypertension.

The antihypertensive effect of a new calcium channel blocker (FK 235) were evaluated in 10 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. The study consisted of 4 weeks of placebo and 12 weeks of the drug, 2 to 4 mg twice a day. Overall systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mean +/- SE) were reduced from 173 +/- 4 to 158 +/- 2 mm Hg (p less than 0.001) and from 97 +/- 2 to 89 +/- 1 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), respectively, with a dose of 5.6 +/- 0.7 mg/day. No relevant changes in heart rate, body weight, and plasma levels of renin activity and aldosterone concentration were observed. No side effects were encountered during the therapy. Our data indicate that the novel active calcium channel blocker can be used as a safe, effective and well tolerated antihypertensive for the treatment of essential hypertension.