Controlled study with a new sustained-release formulation of nifedipine in essential hypertensive patients.

The authors studied the antihypertensive effect and tolerability of a new sustained-release formulation of nifedipine 50 mg once a day, in comparison with nifedipine retard 20 mg twice a day in patients with mild or moderate primary arterial hypertension. Both treatments significantly lowered blood pressure with no difference in daily blood pressure profile. At steady state, the two drugs determined comparable plasma levels of nifedipine as measured immediately before the morning dose. After a 12-month treatment, the new formulation of nifedipine still displayed satisfactory blood pressure control in both supine and standing positions, with no change in tolerability throughout the study. In conclusion, this new sustained-release formulation of nifedipine has similar efficacy and tolerability to conventional treatment with nifedipine retard 20 mg twice a day.