Dose-response studies with benazepril in mild to moderate hypertension.

The dose-response curve for benazepril, a new angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, has been established from a systematic series of controlled clinical studies in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. The studies included a dose-ranging study, four dose-response studies (placebo-controlled or crossover), and four titration trials. The dose-response studies involved 803 patients and evaluated doses from 2 to 80 mg. Analysis of the data revealed the existence of a dose-response relationship over the dosage range of 10 to 80 mg given once daily. Efficacy of once-daily administration was shown by the persistence of significant blood pressure reduction over the 24-h dosing interval. In addition, the net trough-to-peak ratio (an indicator of net antihypertensive effect at the end of the dosing interval) was generally greater than 50%. The dose-determination studies with benazepril were conducted according to a well-designed strategy in which parameters were carefully defined. Based on these trials, the initial dosage for benazepril appears to be 10 mg once daily. Additional response may be observed at dosages up to 80 mg once daily.