Amlodipine (152 patients) vs nitrendipine (61 patients) in treating hypertensive disease

The antihypertensive effect of amlodipine was observed in 152 patients(M 98, F54) with hypertensive disease and compared with nitrendipine in 61 patients(M 35,F 26). Amlodipine 5-l0 mg po once daily was compared with nitrendipine 10 mg po twice to three times daily for 4 wk. The results showed that the response rate to amlodipine therapy was significantly higher than that of nitrendipine(amlodipine group: remarkable response 70.4%, response 16.4%. Nitrendipine group: remarkable response 53% response 32%, Ridit test U=2.077, P0.05). The adverse effects of amlodipine were fewer than those of nitrendipine(16.5 % vs 23 %). The main adverse effects were flushing, palpitation, dizziness and edema of ankle in both groups.