[Use of carvedilol compared to nifedipine in the treatment of mild and moderate essential arterial hypertension].

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of carvedilol, a new antihypertensive drug that combines vasodilatory and beta-blocker properties, with nifedipine.

METHODS

In a multicenter double-blind trial, 106 mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients were treated with either carvedilol (n = 51), or nifedipine (n = 55) as monotherapy. Following 4 weeks of wash-out/run-in period, patients from the carvedilol group received this drug once a day at a dosage of 25 mg/day for 8 consecutive weeks. In order to maintain the double-blind character of the study, a placebo was administered in the carvedilol group at identical dosage intervals as used in the nifedipine s.r. group. Nifedipine was also administered for 8 weeks at a dosage of 40 mg/day given b.i.d.

RESULTS

Both treatments were equally efficient in reducing blood pressure in the seated and upright positions. Blood pressure response to treatment was obtained in 79% and 78% of patients treated with carvedilol and nifedipine, respectively. The carvedilol group did not develop reflex tachycardia which is usually seen when prescribing vasodilators. Blood biochemistry remained unchanged with both treatments. Besides similar blood pressure efficacy, side effects by patients taking carvedilol were less frequent than nifedipine group.

CONCLUSION

Carvedilol is a safe, efficient, once/day choice as monotherapy for mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients.