INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH & OPINION

Losartan potassium + HCfZ vs nifedipine GITS in hypertension

Losartan potassium, with or without hydrochloro­thiazide (HeTZ), and nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) are associated with similar efficacy and quality of life (QOL) in the control of essential hypertension, say US-based investigators.

223 patients with a sitting diastolic BP of 95-115mm Hg were randomised to receive losartan potassium 50 mg/day alone or with HeTZ 12.5 or 25 mg/day, or nifedipine GITS 30, 60 or 90 mg/day. Patients completed a 4-week placebo baseline period, followed by 12 weeks of active treatment. A battery of QOL instruments was completed by patients at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.

At 12 weeks, the mean reduction in sitting diastolic BP in the losartan potassium group was 1.6mm Hg lower than that in the nifedipine GITS group. 74 and 68% of patients in the respective treatment groups achieved a sitting diastolic BP of < 90mm Hg.

The rate of withdrawal from the study was 5% in the losartan potassium group, compared with 19% in the group receiving nifedipine GITS. The most common reason for withdrawal was adverse effects, particularly oedema. 9% of losartan potassium recipients reported bother from oedema, compared with 27% of nifedipine GITS recipients. There were no other significant differences in QOL between the 2 groups.

Weir MR, Elkins M, Liss C, Vrecenak AI, Barr E, et aI. Efficacy, to1erability, and quality of life of losartan, alone or with hydrochlorothiazide, versus nifedipine GlTS in patients with essential hypertension. Clinical Therapeutics 18: 411-428. May-Jun 1996 ......"...

1173-550319610074-00071$01.00° Adl. International Limited 1996. All right. reserved PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 10 Aug 1996 No. 74

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