Lercanidipine and lacidipine, both newest-generation
dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, are much better tolerated than
third-generation amlodipine, say researchers.
The latest calcium channel blockers offer the potential of fewer side effects
and better patient compliance, combined with effective control of blood
pressure.
These conclusions are drawn from the COHORT trial and are reported by A.
Zanchetti of the University of Milan in Milan, Italy. The trial compared patient
tolerability between lercanidipine, lacidipine and amlodipine among 828 elderly
hypertension patients, aged 60 years or older.
All three treatments lowered blood pressure to a similar degree, but
lercanidipine and lacidipine were better tolerated than amlodipine.
Tolerability was based on the percentage of patients who experienced oedema, the
most common side effect of calcium channel blockers. Lercanidipine and
lacidipine were better tolerated both as single agents and in combined therapy
with other antihypertensive drugs, the researchers report.
Successful treatment with calcium channel blockers depends on patient
compliance, they add, and the better tolerability of the latest generation of
calcium channel blockers could result in improved compliance.
Source: Diabetes In Control Dot Com: Clinical Cardiology 2003;26(2 Suppl 2):II17-II20.
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