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Randomized, comparative, double‐blind study of amlodipine vs. nicardipine as a treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly
Author(s) -
MounierVéhier Claire,
Jaboureck Olivier,
Emeriau JeanPaul,
Bernaud Corine,
Clerson Pierre,
Carre Alain
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
fundamental and clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1472-8206
pISSN - 0767-3981
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-8206.2002.00129.x
Subject(s) - amlodipine , nicardipine , blood pressure , medicine , ambulatory blood pressure , randomized controlled trial , ambulatory , isolated systolic hypertension , diastole , pulse pressure , systolic hypertension , cardiology , anesthesia
A 90‐day, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group study was conducted to compare the efficacy of amlodipine (once a day) with nicardipine (two to three times a day), in the treatment of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) in the elderly. Patients ( n = 133) aged ≥60 years, with ISH were randomized to receive either amlodipine 5 mg/day, or nicardipine 60 mg/day (titrated if necessary to 10 mg/day and 100 mg/day, respectively) for 90 days. Efficacy was assessed by measuring office blood pressure (BP), and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The two treatments substantially and comparably reduced office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP), and also produced a slight decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Amlodipine reduced SBP, as assessed by ABPM, to a significantly greater extent than nicardipine. Both treatments were well‐tolerated. The sustained effect of amlodipine, compared with nicardipine, was reflected in its significantly greater antihypertensive activity, particularly during the nocturnal period, as assessed by ABPM. The study demonstrates that once a day dose of amlodipine is an effective antihypertensive treatment for elderly ISH patients.