EVALUATION OF ENALAPRIL COMBINED WITH DILTIAZEM ER IN PATIENTS WITH STAGE-3-4 ESSENTIAL-HYPERTENSION

Enalapril combined with an extended-release formulation of diltiazem w as evaluated in a 12-week multicenter trial of 112 patients with Stage s 3-4 essential hypertension. Patients were randomized to once daily t herapy with enalapril 5 mg plus diltiazem ER 120 mg or 180 mg. Dosages could be titrated and other antihypertensive agents added for blood p ressure control. Efficacy was assessed with sitting blood pressures at trough (24 hours postdose). Overall, there was a decrease of -21.7/-1 8.4 mmHg. Patients responding to enalapril/diltiazem ER alone had a re duction of -15.0/-16.3 mmHg. Of all patients, 70% achieved a trough si tting diastolic blood pressure of < 95 mmHg. Common drug-related adver se experiences were headache, dizziness, rash, and asthenia/fatigue. T his once daily fixed-combination of enalapril/diltiazem ER was general ly well-tolerated and effective when given alone or with other antihyp ertensives in Stage 3-4 hypertension.