Long-acting nifedipine in moderate and severe hypertensive patients with serious concomitant diseases.

Long-acting nifedipine tablets were given to 47 severely and moderately hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Nifedipine substituted vasodilators (n = 22), was added to beta blockers and thiazides (n = 14), and was used alone (n = 11). In all three groups blood pressure was significantly reduced without aggravation of angina pectoris, intermittent claudication, cerebrovascular disease, or renal failure. Side effects were mild and transient. We found nifedipine tablets convenient and safe, as well as efficacious in patients with serious conditions.