Evaluation of the Efficacy and Tolerability of Isradipine in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Hypertension

An open clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of isradipine in 30 cases (male 16, female 14 cases, average age 52.6±7.94) of mild to moderate essential hypertension using 1.25-2.5mg twice a day for 8 weeks of active treatment.

Blood pressure was significantly reduced from 168.5±14.33/108.3±6.37mmHg, 163.7±9.74/105.5±7.1mmHg to 141.0±13.69/92.0±9.27mmHg, 138.8±13.46/92.3±11.16mmHg in sitting and standing position respectively. The extent of reduction was 27.5/16.3mmHg in sitting position and 29.9/13.2mmHg in standing position.

This comprised the mean response rate in terms of reduction of DBP of 10mmHg or more being 90% and the normalization rate, deficed as DBP lowering to 90mmHg or below, being 70%. Heart rate, hematology and blood chemistry including blood sugar and lipids were not changed significantly after treatment with isradipine.

No significantl side effect was observed except 2 cases of mild transient facial flushing and nausea during the treatment, so could proceed the trial without drug discontinuation in all 30 cases.

The results suggest that isradipine is one of the useful and safe drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.