A comparative trial of lisinopril and nifedipine in mild to moderate hypertension in general practice.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: to compare lisinopril and nifedipine in the management of essential hypertension in 52 patients in general practice with respect to the obtaining of target diastolic blood pressure and freedom from side effects. METHOD: an open label, parallel randomised trial over an eight week period. RESULTS: lisinopril and nifedipine were found to effectively lower diastolic blood pressure with the latter having a significantly higher level of withdrawals and clinical side effects. CONCLUSION: lisinopril is equivalent to nifedipine in its hypertensive effect and has a better side effect profile.