Aim: To examine efficiency and tolerance of osmo-adalat in monotherapy of mild and moderate arterial hypertension (AH) in the elderly.
Material and methods: 60 AH patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received osmo-adalat monotherapy in daily dose 30 mg for 3 weeks. These were 14 patients with isolated systolic AH (ISAH) and 16 patients with essential hypertension (EH). Of group 2 patients, 15 with ISAH and 15 with EH received cordipin in a dose 10 mg three times a day. All the patients underwent 24-h monitoring of arterial pressure, in 18 patients arterial pressure and ECG were registered in parallel for 24 hours.
Results: AH treatment with osmo-adalat is rather effective. This is proved by its positive effect on shifted profile of arterial pressure in patients with ISAH and EH. A fall of arterial pressure on the peak of osmo-adalat antihypertensive action is not associated with hypotonic overloading of target organs, myocardial ischemia and increased heart rate. A single intake of osmo-adalat provides a smooth circadian control of arterial pressure in elderly hypertensive patients, the end effect being 50% of the peak one. The drug is well tolerated. Side effects do not require osmo-adalat discontinuation.
Conclusion: Osmo-adalat in a single daily dose 30 mg is effective and safe in the treatment of mild and moderate AH in elderly patients.