The Antihypertensive Effect of Benidipine Hydrochloride (Codipine(R)) in Stage 1,2 Hypertension

Yoon, Nam Sik; Park, Hyung Wook; Cho, Jeong Gwan; Ko, Jum Suk; Lee, Min Goo; Hong, Young Joon; Kim, Ju Han; Kim, Weon; Ahn, Young Keun; Jeong, Myung Ho; Park, Jong Chun; Kang, Jung Chaee

Abstract

Calcium channel blocker is widely used as antihypertensive drug. Our aim was to clarify how well the benidipine hydrochloride (Codipine(R)), dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, controls the blood pressure (BP) and whether there are any side effects related to its use. Forty seven patients with stage 1 to 2 hypertension were put on benidipine 4 mg/day or 8 mg/day. The BP was monitored before medication and at 7th day, 2nd week, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th month. All patients completed the study successfully. When blood pressure of less than 140/90 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) was achieved, it was defined that the BP was controlled according to JNC7. The blood pressure of 37 patients was controlled with benidipine (success rate 78%, 37/47). Ten patients were not controlled with benidipine. There was no difference in BP lowering effect between age groups. Most of the patients tolerated the drug well. Two patients complained of headache, one of angina, and one of dyspnea. We conclude that benidipine is well tolerated in dose of 48 mg/day and that it is an effective antihypertensive agent for patients with stage 1 to 2 hypertension.