Antihypertensive effect of a new dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, PN 200-110 (isradipine), combined with pindolol.

Preliminary results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of PN 200-110 (isradipine) are reported. The study involves 5 centers and 61 patients with essential hypertension. Either PN 200-110 or placebo was added to an ongoing daily regimen of 10 mg of pindolol to determine if this agent would enhance the effect of the beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent. PN 200-110 was given twice daily, starting with a dose of 2.5 mg or 5 mg, which could be doubled after 4 weeks. The average final dose was 6.3 mg given twice daily. Supine blood pressure was significantly reduced from a mean of 162/103 mm Hg to 144/88 mm Hg (p less than 0.001) in the patients who received the combination therapy. Heart rate did not change significantly. In 3 patients therapy was withdrawn, 1 during placebo and 2 during active treatment, owing to definite or suspected side effects.