Effect of valsartan on renal function in patients with hypertension and stable renal insufficiency

Angiotensin II AT(1) receptor blockers have been introduced into clinical p ractice; however, larger-scale information on their tolerability and effect s on renal function in patients with hypertension and renal insufficiency i s limited. A 6-month, double-masked, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clini cal trial was performed to address this issue. Fifty-six adults with hypert ension and reduced renal function were studied. They received the AT(1) rec eptor blocker valsartan (80 mg/d) or placebo, in addition to other antihype rtensive drugs. The renal variables studied were glomerular filtration rate , effective renal plasma flow, renal blood now, serum creatinine level, and 24-hour urinary albumin, protein, and urea excretion. Drug tolerability wa s also assessed. Differences were not significant between the valsartan and placebo groups with respect to effects on any renal function variable. Fur thermore, the tolerability of valsartan and placebo was not different. Comp ared with placebo, valsartan lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures . Data from this study suggest that valsartan is web tolerated and effectiv e in treating patients with hypertension and reduced renal function.