A Study on the Effects of Nifedipine in Hypertensive Crises and Severe Hypertension

Abstract

Nifedipine, a Ca2+ antagonist, was administered orally (10 mg) to 2 groups of patients: group I, with 6 patients in hypertensive emergency and group II, with 12 patients with intractable, severe hypertension. A marked hypotensive effect was observed in all group I patients. The maximum effect was observed within 30-60 min and lasted for approximately 180 min. Clinical symptoms improved remarkably with the fall in blood pressure. No side effects were observed. A marked hypotensive effect was observed in all cases of group II. Blood pressure fell 21.4% systolic (P < 0.01) and 19.4% diastolic (P < 0.02). Peripheral vascular resistance decreased 26.2% (P < 0.01). Heart rate and cardiac index increased slightly. The hypotensive effect of this preparation may be primarily due to peripheral vasodilatation.