Efficacy and safety of cilazapril versus nifedipine retard in essential hypertension.

ABSTRACT

A double-blind study of cilazapril (ACE inhibitor) versus nifedipine retard (calcium antagonist) in the treatment of 18 (10 on cilazapril and 8 on nifedipine) mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients (diastolic B.P. 95-115 mmHg) was performed. Both drugs were effective in lowering blood pressure to satisfactory levels by using cilazapril 2.5-5 mg once daily and 20 mg twice a day of nifedipine retard for 10 weeks. There were no adverse effects on hematological or biochemical parameter studies and no other side-effect, especially cough which is usually attributed to the ACE inhibitor therapy. This study showed that cilazapril, a new once daily ACE inhibitor, and nifedipine are safe and effective antihypertensive agents.