Amlodipine (AML) is a new calcium channel blocker from the dihydropiri
dine group. In order to assess the effect of AML on blood pressure, bi
ochemical parameters and cyclosporine levels we present our results in
the treatment of 24 hypertensive renal transplant patients who were u
nder an inmunosupressive regimen which included Cyclosporine and predn
isone. AML mean dose was 5-10 mg once daily with a follow-up period of
six months. In 15 patients AML IR as used as a single drug; in 9 pati
ents AML had to be accompanied by other drugs. At the end of the study
systolic BP was reduced from 166 +/- 20 to 145 +/- 13 mm Hg (p < 0,05
); diastolic BP from 98 +/- 11 to 87 +/- 6 mm Hg (p < 0,05). No statis
tically significant changes were observed in biochemical parameters (g
lycemia, serum uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides
, ALT and serum potassium. Cyclosporine levels were not influenced by
AML. Side effects were seen in 5 patients necessitating witdrawal AML
in 3 of them. In our study the administration of AML in the treatment
of renal transplant hypertension: 1) has proved to be effective, 2) wi
th few side effects, 3) and with no influence on biochemical parameter
s, graft function or cyclosporine levels.