AMLODIPINE ONCE-DAILY IN SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION

The calcium channel blocker nifedipine is widely used in children with systemic hypertension; however, because of the short duration of acti on, three to four daily doses of the standard preparation are required . Amlodipine once-daily, a calcium channel blocker structurally relate d to nifedipine with an excellent bioavailability and a long eliminati on half-time, has been shown to reduce blood pressure in adults. No in formation is available on the use of amlodipine in childhood. The effe cts of amlodipine once-daily (5 to 10 mg) were therefore assessed in 2 8 paediatric patients with hypertension. Amlodipine was withdrawn in f ive patients who experienced oedema and flushing. In the remaining 23 patients blood pressure was significantly reduced 3 weeks after amlodi pine (on average by 7/5 mm Hg) and further decreased at 12 weeks (by 2 1/12 mm Hg). Heart rate and body weight were unchanged. In eight patie nts concomitantly treated with cyclosporine, the blood level of this a gent was stable throughout the study, thus not requiring any dose adju stment.