Nifedipine reduces severe hypertension And maintains normotension through the GITS

Both acute and long term BP control are required to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with severe hypertension. Preliminary results revealed a decrease in mean BP from 187/117 to 151/91mm Hg in 22/23 patients acutely administered a single oral dose of nifedipine 10mg. 12 patients have completed a 2-month maintenance treatment phase with sustained-release nlfedlplne gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) up to 150mg once-daily: mean BP was maintained at 140/87mm Hg throughout Cardiac output and HR which increased during acute treatment decreased in the maintenance period to pretreatment levels, while left ventricular fractional shortening remained above pretreatment levels throughout the trial (42 vs 36%). Adverse effects Included dizziness (n = 4), peripheral oedema (1), headache (1) and nocturia (1).

In patients with severe hypertension ' ... long­term therapy with nifedipine Glrs is associated with persistent blood pressure reduction and a favorable hemodynamic response'. Phillips RA. Ardeljan M. Goldman ME. Eison HB. Krakoff LA. Cardiac and hemodynamic adjustments to rapid and sustained blood pressure reduction. American Journal of Hypertension 2· 1965-199S. Jun 1989 _

6 INPHARMA~ 26 Aug 1989 0156-2703/89/0826-0006/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press