A placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and acceptability of indapamide

Abstract

A single-blind placebo-controlled trial was carried out in 24 hypertensive patients to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of 2.5 mg indapamide daily. After an initial 2 weeks on placebo, newly diagnosed hypertensive patients were given indapamide alone. Patients who were being inadequately treated on their present medication were given indapamide in addition. Both groups received the active drug for 12 weeks and were then crossed over to placebo. Measurements of blood pressure, body weight, pulse rate and laboratory investigations were made at 2-weekly intervals. The results showed that indapamide had a significant hypotensive effect compared to placebo, the mean reduction in blood pressure being 24/19 mmHg supine (23/15 mmHg erect). Mean blood pressure gradually increased (10/5 mmHg after 4 weeks) when indapamide was stopped. No marked changes were noted in body weight, in electrolytes or in the other laboratory investigations. There was a slight and gradual decrease in pulse rate over the 12 weeks of indapamide treatment. No serious side-effects were reported, although some minor effects may have been due to the drug.