The immediate hypotensive effect of oral nifedipine.

The immediate hypotensive effect of oral nifedipine was assessed in 15 patients with moderate to severe hypertension. Supine and erect blood pressure and heart rates were measured before and 30 minutes after 10 mg nifedipine. The results showed that there was a significant (p less than 0.001) reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressures. There was a slight increase in heart rate and mild postural hypotension but neither appeared to be significant. It is concluded that nifedipine given by the oral route is an effective agent for the rapid lowering of elevated blood pressure and deserves further evaluation as an agent for the management of hypertensive emergencies.