Source: Hypertension  |  Posted 9 years ago

Nisoldipine-extended release and amlodipine are well-tolerated, safe and effective therapies for patients with hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris say researchers in the United States.

Clinicians at Florida's University College of Medicine in Gainesville undertook a multi-centre randomised, double- blind, double-dummy, parallel group titration-to-effect study of nisoldipine-extended release (ER) and amlodipine in patients with stage 1 to 2 systemic hypertension (diastolic BP 90-109mm Hg ) and chronic stable angina pectoris.

One hundred and twenty patients underwent a 3-week placebo introductory period followed by the 6-week trial. The patients were assigned active therapy with either nisoldipine-extended release, 20 to 40 mg, or amlodipine, 5-10 mg, once daily, titrated as necessary after two weeks to attain a diastolic BP higher than 90 mmHg.

At the end of the trial, the researchers noted that "the mean reduction in systolic /diastolic BP from baseline was 15/13 mm Hg with nisoldipine-ER and 13/11 mm Hg with amlodipine."

There was no increase in the heart rate experienced from either drug and the frequency of anginal episodes was decreased by both. Infrequent episodes of adverse events, usually vasodilator-related such as headaches and peripheral oedema, occurred more frequently in the patients treated with nisoldipine-ER.