Nisoldipine and Atenolol have Different Antihypertensive Effects Which may be explained by differing mechanisms of action

Hypertensive men randomly received nisoldipine 2.5-Smg (n = 7), atenolol 50mg (6) once daily or no treatment for 12 weeks in a study conducted to assess differences in hypotensive mechanisms and efficacies between treatments.

Both agents reduced BP and mean arterial pressure but atenolol had a more rapid effect (significant decrease from baseline at week 4 vs week 8 in nisoldipine recipients). HR was unaffected by nisoldipine but was significantly decreased by atenolol at weeks 8 and 12 (vs baseline). Captopril-induced increases in plasma renin activity were suppressed by atenolol and nisoldipine; basal plasma renin activity was suppressed in atenolol recipients at week 12 (vs controls) but not in nisoldipine recipients. BP increased in response to hand-grip stress testing, but to a lesser extent in nisoldipine and atenolol recipients than untreated patients.

Thus. suppression of plasma renin activity and pressor responses to stress appear to be involved in the antihypertensive effects of calcium antagonists and beta blockers. Takahashi H. Fukuyama M. Yoneda S. Okabayashi H. Yoshimura M. Comparison of nisoldipme and atenolol in the treatment of essential hypertension. Arzneimittei-Forschung 39 379-382. Mar 1989 ,...

12 INPHARMA"' 1 Apr 1989 0156-2703/89/0401-0012/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press