M. Stimpel et al., MOEXIPRIL VERSUS CAPTOPRIL IN PATIENTS WITH MILD-TO-MODERATE HYPERTENSION, Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 28(6), 1996, pp. 769-773
Moexipril is a new, long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in
hibitor. In contrast to captopril, it is a prodrug of the pharmacologi
cally active agent moexiprilat and will be administered once daily. Th
e objective of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and tol
erability of moexipril with that of captopril during a 12-week treatme
nt of patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Patients with a sit
ting diastolic blood pressure (SDBP) of 95-114 mm Hg, inclusive, were
randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive moexipril, 7.5 mg, once daily or
captopril, 25 mg, twice daily. After 6 weeks of treatment, the dose of
moexipril and captopril was increased to 15 mg once daily and 50 mg t
wice daily, respectively, if the patient's SDBP remained greater than
or equal to 90 mm Hg. Blood pressure was measured at biweekly visits.
At study endpoint, adjusted mean reductions in SDBP were comparable be
tween the moexipril and captopril groups (-9.8 vs. -8.7 mm Hg), and mo
exipril was more effective than captopril in reducing sitting systolic
blood pressure. Adverse experiences (headache, dizziness, and upper r
espiratory infection) occurred at similar frequencies in the moexipril
and in the captopril groups. The data indicate that moexipril at dosa
ges of 7.5 and 15 mg once daily is as efficacious as twice daily capto
pril in reducing blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hype
rtension.