Summary
The concentration-effect relationships of (±)-nicardipine and nifedipine have been investigated in hypertensive geriatric patients. Following a parallel group, randomised, double blind trial design, they received either slow release nifedipine 20 mg b. d. (n = 9) or slow release (±)-nicardipine 50 mg b. d. (n=10) for 7 days. On Days 1 and 7 serum (±)-nicardipine and nifedipine, blood pressure and heart rate were measured 6 and 12 h after drug administration.
(±)-Nicardipine showed significant cumulation (ca 2x) without a corresponding decrease in blood pressure or increase in heart rate. Concentration-effect plots indicated that (±)-nicardipine was more potent than nifedipine but that it showed apparently comparable efficacy in reducing the blood pressure.
Compared to young healthy volunteers, both drugs had a more pronounced effect in elderly patients.
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Porchet, H.C., Loew, E., Gauthey, L. et al. Serum concentration-effect relationship of (±)-nicardipine and nifedipine in elderly hypertensive patients. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 43, 551–553 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02285101
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02285101