Key result
N-GITS lowers peak plasma norepinephrine levels ~29% compared to Coracten XL.
Why the study?
The pharmacokinetics of different once-daily nifedipine formulations and their linked pharmacodynamic effects on heart rate and sympathetic nervous system response in hypertensive patients are not well known to practicing physicians.
Does the formulation of long-acting nifedipine (N-GITS vs Coracten XL) influence the sympathetic nervous system response in hypertensive patients?
Comparison
30-mg osmotic constant-release nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system vs encapsulated mini-tablet Coracten XL
Design
Randomized, crossover study
Follow-up
1 month
Authors
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Provides patient-based PK/PD linkage for once-daily nifedipine formulations; leaves open whether findings guide dosing or outcomes.
RCT (n=44)
crossover
Does the formulation of long-acting nifedipine (N-GITS vs Coracten XL) influence the sympathetic nervous system response in hypertensive patients?
Absolute Event Rate: 343% vs 480%
p-value: p=0.0046
Different once-daily formulations of nifedipine elicit distinct sympathetic nervous system responses, with Coracten XL causing a greater increase in plasma norepinephrine compared to N-GITS.
Brown et al. (2007) conducted an RCT in hypertension (n=44). N-GITS (osmotic, constant-release nifedipine) vs. Coracten XL (encapsulated mini-tablet) was evaluated on difference in plasma norepinephrine (NE) between formulations at the time of peak nifedipine level (p=0.0046). The 30-mg N-GITS formulation resulted in significantly lower plasma norepinephrine levels at peak nifedipine concentration compared to Coracten XL (343 vs 480 pg/ml; P=0.0046).