Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Blood Pressure

Abstract

The effects of aspirin (1950 mg/day orally) or indomethacin (75 mg/day orally) on blood pressure were investigated in normotensive volunteers and hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medication [propranolol, pindolol, chlorothiazide, combination amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, methyldopa, prazosin, clonidine and debrisoquine]. Aspirin (1950 mg/day) did not change blood pressure or body weight in normotensive or treated hypertensive subjects. No significant change in plasma renin concentration was seen with aspirin (1950 mg/day) in treated hypertensive subjects. Indomethacin (75 mg/day) significantly increased blood pressure in normotensive subjects and treated hypertensive subjects. Body weight increased significantly in the treated hypertensive subjects but not normotensive subjects. In treated hypertensive subjects indomethacin (75 mg/day) did not change plasma volume, but significantly decreased plasma renin concentration.