Comparative Efficacy of Nicardipine Hydrochloride and Propranolol in the Treatment of Hypertension

Nicardipine hydrochloride and propranolol were compared for antihypertensive efficacy and safety in a 14-week randomized, double-blind, crossover study. After taking placebo for 4 weeks, patients received either nicardipine (30 mg three times a day) or propranolol (40 mg three times a day) for 4 weeks, then placebo for 2 weeks and, finally, were crossed over to the alternative active medication for 4 weeks. Both drugs substantially reduced blood pressure. Statistically significant treatment effects favouring nicardipine were observed for supine and standing diastolic and systolic blood pressures. As expected, heart rate decreased significantly with propranolol, but not with nicardipine. Of the 33 patients evaluated for safety, 18 reported adverse experiences (two while taking placebo) that were assessed as probably related to the drugs under study. Symptoms related to vasodilation were reported more frequently during nicardipine treatment and respiratory complaints were more frequent in patients given propranolol.