Antihypertensive, anticalcinotic, and antiarteriosclerotic properties of anipamil, a long-acting new derivative of verapamil.

The classical indication for calcium antagonists has for a long time been coronary heart disease. However, more recent experimental data as well as a host of clinical observations now encourage a broader use of these drugs also for antihypertensive purposes and for prevention of concomitant sclerotic vascular injury. Needless to say, for the treatment of hypertensive crises rapidly acting calcium antagonists are required, whereas for chronic therapy of hypertension calcium antagonists with a long duration of action on blood pressure are advantageous. In this context anipamil seems to be particularly suited for long-term control of elevated blood pressure. Thus, anipamil justifies good therapeutic expectations regarding the clinical management of essential or renal hypertension.