A new sustained-release formulation of verapamil in the treatment of hypertension.

The study was carried out in 24 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension to assess the antihypertensive efficiency and tolerability of a new sustained-release formulation of verapamil (tablets containing 240 mg). The trial was conducted as a single-blind crossover study for periods of 4 weeks, preceded by a 2-week placebo period, comparing sustained-release verapamil twice daily with instant-release verapamil (conventional tablets of 80 mg) mg) 160 mg twice daily. Both regimens induced a significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, and this effect was (particularly for sustained-release verapamil) significant from the very first day of treatment. Both formulations were well tolerated. The pharmacokinetic data obtained and the even blood pressure reduction achieved demonstrate that this new verapamil formulation has sustained-release characteristics and is sufficient as a twice-daily medication in mild/moderate essential hypertension.