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Newest-Generation Calcium Channel Blockers Better Tolerated By Hypertension Patients

Lercanidipine and lacidipine, both newest-generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, are much better tolerated than third-generation amlodipine, say researchers.

The latest calcium channel blockers offer the potential of fewer side effects and better patient compliance, combined with effective control of blood pressure.

These conclusions are drawn from the COHORT trial and are reported by A. Zanchetti of the University of Milan in Milan, Italy. The trial compared patient tolerability between lercanidipine, lacidipine and amlodipine among 828 elderly hypertension patients, aged 60 years or older.

All three treatments lowered blood pressure to a similar degree, but lercanidipine and lacidipine were better tolerated than amlodipine.

Tolerability was based on the percentage of patients who experienced oedema, the most common side effect of calcium channel blockers. Lercanidipine and lacidipine were better tolerated both as single agents and in combined therapy with other antihypertensive drugs, the researchers report.

Successful treatment with calcium channel blockers depends on patient compliance, they add, and the better tolerability of the latest generation of calcium channel blockers could result in improved compliance. Clin Cardiol 2003;26(2 Suppl 2):II17-II20 

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FACT:  The best predictors of cardiovascular disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes are dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, smoking and hyperglycemia.

N Engl J Med 1998; 339:229–34.

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