The pharmacokinetics and plasma protein binding of nitrendipine in patients with terminal renal failure have been compared with those in subjects with normal renal function. Kinetic parameters were calculated after a single 40 mg oral dose, an i.v. injection of 3 mg and after a 15 mg i.v. infusion of nitrendipine. Steady-state plasma levels were determined after 5 days of oral treatment with 20 mg b.d. Pharmacokinetic parameters and steady-state plasma levels in patients with renal failure did not differ from those in subjects with normal renal function. Nitrendipine was as highly bound to plasma proteins in patients with renal failure, as in subjects with normal renal function. The plasma protein did not differ between the two. The dosage of nitrendipine need not be modified for kinetic reasons in patients with renal failure.