Safety efficacy and pharmacokinetics of nicardipine in elderly hypertensive patients

摘要

>1 Eighty-eight elderly patients (aged 63-84 years) with essential hypertension were randomised to receive either nicardipine (57 patients) or placebo (31 patients) for 6-8 weeks in this double-blind, parallel group study.>2 The dosage of nicardipine was titrated according to blood pressure response. Doses ranged from 10 mg to 30 mg three times daily; the majority of patients received the 20 mg regimen.>3 At the last study visit, the mean reduction in systolic/diastolic blood pressure in the nicardipine group was 16.6/11.1 mmHg as compared to 5.1/4.7 mmHg for the placebo group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant for both systolic and diastolic pressures (P < 0.001).>4 Orthostatic blood pressure changes did not occur any more frequently in the nicardipine-treated group. Pulse rate and body weight changes on nicardipine were negligible.>5 Nicardipine plasma concentrations showed no accumulation over time in the elderly patients, and were similar to those reported previously in younger volunteers.>6 Adverse effects were reported in 53% of patients on nicardipine and 45% on placebo. Those side effects occurring more often on nicardipine were primarily related to its vasodilatory properties.>7 Nicardipine is an effective, well tolerated antihypertensive agent in geriatric patients.