Optimal Felodipine Dose When Combined with Metoprolol in Arterial Hypertension

Summary: In a multicenter study comprising 23 Swedish primary health care centers, felodipine extended-release (ER) tablets in doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg were compared double-blind with placebo when given in addition to metoprolol controlled-release (CR) tablets 100 mg. All medication was given once daily in the morning. Altogether, 251 hypertensive patients with a diastolic blood pressure > 95 mm Hg after 4 weeks of treatment with placebo in combination with metoprolol CR 100 mg were randomized to four parallel groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, there were significantly greater reductions in blood pressure with all doses of felodipine ER than with placebo, both 2 and 24 h after intake of the tablets. Twelve patients were withdrawn because of adverse reactions. Of these, one patient was taking placebo, one 5 mg of felodipine ER, four 10 mg of felodipine ER, and six patients 20 mg of felodipine ER. When combined with metoprolol, 5 mg of felodipine ER seemed to be less effective than higher doses, but was very well tolerated. Adding 10 mg of felodipine ER to the basal metoprolol appeared to be optimal if both the effect and adverse reactions were taken into consideration.