Calcium antagonist effectiveness and tolerability in hypertensive men and women

Abstract

Aim. To compare effectiveness and tolerability of first- and second-generation dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (CA): instant-release nifedipine (Nifedipine IR) and slow-release nifedipine (Nifecard XL), in patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Material and methods. This 8-week randomized, open, comparative trail included 73 men and 74 women with Stage I-II AH; mean age was 53.4±12.9 and 55.3±9.3 years, AH duration - 13.8±9.3 and 16.3±9.7 years, respectively. All participants received either Nifecard XL (initial dose 30 mg/d, 1 tablet), or Nifedipine IR (30 mg/d, 3 tablets). Antihypertensive effect was assessed by office blood pressure (BP) measurement and 24-hour BP monitoring (BMP). Results. After 8 weeks of treatment, systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) reduced significantly in males and females, especially in Nifecard XL group. Daytime SBP variability also decreased. SBP variability tended to increase in females receiving Nifedipine IR. Women were more compliant to Nifecard XL therapy than to Nifedipine IR treatment: 99.8±7.9% vs 96.4±6.3%, respectively. Adverse effect rate was similar in males and females receiving Nifecard XL. Conclusion. High compliance, relatively low effective dose, low adverse effect rate, and better tolerability allow to recommend Nifecard XL for AH treatment in men and women.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• men and women
• first- and second-generation calcium antagonists