EXTENDED-RELEASE FELODIPINE IN PATIENTS WITH MILD-TO-MODERATE HYPERTENSION

Two hundred eighty-six patients with mild to moderate hypertension who had untreated diastolic blood pressure while seated of 95 to 115 mm H g were randomized to receive placebo or once-daily doses of 2.5, 5, or 10 mg of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker felodipine exten ded release (ER). Blood pressure was measured 24 hours after dosing (a t trough). Mean reductions in diastolic blood pressure after 8 weeks o f double-blind treatment were significantly greater in each of the ER felodipine treatment groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg ER felodipine: -7.8, -9 .5, and -11.3 mm Hg, respectively) than in the placebo group (-5.3 mm Hg). The effect was dose dependent for both diastolic and systolic blo od pressure. Moreover, much of the peak antihypertensive effect was st ill present at trough, confirming the 24-hour efficacy of the drug. Fe lodipine was well tolerated.