Long-term (3 years) sustained antihypertensive and metabolic actions of nitrendipine in severe, complicated, and resistant hypertension.

ABSTRACT

The antihypertensive efficacy of once-daily nitrendipine was studied in 18 patients with severe, resistant, refractory, and complicated hypertension. The dose range was 20-120 mg/day adjusted weekly for a total treatment period of 3 years. Nitrendipine produced a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to pretreatment baseline values with no significant effects on heart rate. Renal function was preserved and there was an increase in urine flow, urinary excretions of Na+, kallikrein, and prostaglandin E2, and plasma renin. Some patients experienced known calcium antagonist side effects but the drug was otherwise well tolerated.