Xipamide ('Diurexan') in essential hypertension: a 24-month study.

Twenty-two patients with essential hypertension received xipamide as monotherapy for a continuous period of 2 years. At an average single daily dose of 23 mg, the patients showed a mean reduction in standing systolic pressure of 17%, and diastolic of 15% at the end of the study period. Serum potassium levels always remained within the normal range (without potassium supplements), and serum uric acid levels were only slightly above normal, even at the end of the 2-year trial period. Blood sugar levels in 8 patients with pre-existing diabetes mellitus were increased by 30% at the end of the first year of xipamide therapy, but remained stable at this level during the remaining 12 months. Adverse effects were mild and did not require the cessation of therapy.