Indapamide in the treatment of essential arterial hypertension in the elderly.

Twenty-four patients (average age 72 years) took part in a study of the effectiveness and tolerance of indapamide as medication for essential hypertension in elderly subjects. 2.5 mg was administered daily for two months, after which the same amount was given once every other day in order to investigate whether the antihypertensive effect would persist at this dosage. After two months treatment with 1 tablet of indapamide 2.5 mg daily, statistically significant (P less than 0.01) drops in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures both erect and supine were observed. In 18 of the patients, the results obtained underwent no statistically significant modifications during the second 2-month treatment period at reduced dosage. In 5 others, dosage had to be maintained at 1 tablet daily. In all cases, the drug was well tolerated clinically. ECG recordings were unchanged. Laboratory results remained within the normal range despite a slight increase in serum uric acid and a slight decrease in potassium.