COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF AMLODIPINE AND SLOW RELEASE ISRADIPINE AS A MONOTHERAPY IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Calcium channel blockers are being used as a first line antihypertensive agents. This was a double blind randomised study to analyse the comparative efficacy of amlodipine and slow release isradipine as a monotherapy in hypertensive patients. Forty five patients were analysed, twenty five in isradipine and twenty in amlodipine groups. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure reduced significantly in both groups. There was no statistical difference between the decrements with either agents. Heart rate did not show any significant change with both the agents. Side effects were nearly similar in both groups. There were no biochemical effects during the course of study. This study shows that Amlodipine and Isradipine slow release at equipotent dosage are equally effective in controlling systolic and diastolic blood pressure without significant effect on heart rate. Side effects were similar.