Summary
The magnitude and duration of the anti-hypertensive effect of slow-release nicardipine (SR-Nicardipine) have been compared with placebo in 36 uncomplicated essential hypertensives (diastolic BP 95 to 115 mm Hg after 1-month placebo washout). According to a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design they received SR-Nicardipine 40 mg b.d. and placebo for 1 month.
At the end of each treatment period, blood pressure and heart rate were measured 12 h after the evening dose and 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after the morning dose.
SR-Nicardipine significantly reduced systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure at each time after dosing.
The absolute decrements peaked 4 h after dosing (−18.3 and −11.7 mm Hg, respectively) and more than 90% of the peak effect persisted 12 h after dosing, both for SBP and DBP.
The heart rate was slightly increased by SR-Nicardipine.
Adverse effects monitored with a check-list occurred in 31% of patients during SR-Nicardipine treatment and in 28% on placebo.
Thus, SR-Nicardipine 40 mg b.d. has a maintained and significant antihypertensive effect lasting up to 12 h in essential hypertension.
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Salvetti, A., Cardellino, G., Pesenti, M. et al. Antihypertensive effect of slow-release nicardipine. A placebo-controlled cross-over study. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 36, 439–442 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00558066
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00558066