Effect of Amlodipine on 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Sixteen hypertensive patients (diastolic blood pressure of 95-114 mm Hg) were randomized to receive 5 mg of amlodipine daily or placebo, double blind, for 4 weeks. Antihypertensive efficacy was assessed using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at baseline and following double-blind therapy in conjunction with sphygmomanometric measurement at 2-week intervals. Laboratory tests, ECG, and adverse effects were recorded to assess tolerability. Amlodipine treatment significantly reduced ambulatory blood pressure without altering the normal circadian variation throughout the monitoring period. Supine and standing blood pressure were significantly reduced by amlodipine 24 h postdose. Amlodipine was well tolerated and was not associated with reflex tachycardia.