Amlodipine is a calcium antagonist with a long elimination half-life (35 to
50 h) allowing a once daily dosing in the treatment of hypertension. This
randomized, double-blind study was performed to assess the residual antihyp
ertensive effect of amlodipine 5 mg O.D. 3 days after discontinuing therapy
in previously well-controlled mild to moderate hypertensive patients. Bloo
d pressure (BP) was evaluated by conventional (OBP) and by ambulatory blood
pressure monitoring (ABPM). Amlodipine 5 mg OD administered during a 6-wee
k period, significantly reduced both OBP and ABPM mean values (p < 0.05), w
hereas no change in heart rate was observed. At the end of the active treat
ment period, adequately controlled patients were randomized either to amlod
ipine 5 mg OD (group A) or amlodipine for 12 days followed by a 3-day perio
d on placebo. After this double-blind treatment phase, group P exhibited no
significant increase in BP (assessed by OBP or ABPM) when compared to grou
p A. In conclusion, the duration of action of amlodipine extends largely be
yond the 24-h span, and when patients omit their treatment for 3 days BP do
es not significantly increase.