16 THERAPY

Ramipril: a suitable antihypertensiveforsingle-kidney patients

Ramipril reduces BP, and may have a favourableeffect on renal haemodynamics, in single-kidneypatients with hypertension, according to researchersin Italy. This is despite the incidence of acute renalfailure previously associated with ACE inhibitors.

In the first trial to study ramipril in the single­kidney state, 10 patients with hypertension and asingle kidney as a result of agenesis or nephrectomyreceived oral ramipril 2.5 mg/day and placebo for 4weeks each in a double-blind, crossover manner.

After 4 weeks' treatment, ramipril had reduced BPand significantly improved renal function comparedwith placebo [see table].

BP ~rnrn tig}, ,,'

E~~~'~~imV1:~2) 'R~~r~~~}-:t .·\;; y;~~ ....(dyn x seclcnb1.73m1 fAJ~n'~~~ri~::<mgf24h) :,,, .~: ,.' . 9.5

Although no deterioration in renal functionoccurred after ramipril treatment in these patients, thestudy authors believe that the relevance of theirresults may be limited by small patient numbers .They conclude that longer term studies are necessary.Camaiti A, La Cava G, Del Rosso A, Arcangeli E, Federighi G. Efficacy and

safety of ramipril in hypertensive single -kidney patients. American Journal of

Therapeutic s 2: 328-332. May 1995 8OO:l<O497

24 Jun 1995INPHARMA'" 0156·270;;llll:>llJW<!-UU01M01.00- Aa ls International Llmltea 1995. All rights reserved