Oral slow-release nifedipine in the rapid treatment of severe hypertension in Nigerians.

The effect of the oral slow-release formulation of Nifedipine in rapidly lowering blood pressure was studied in 20 severely hypertensive Nigerians (8 males, 12 females). A significant fall (p < 0.05) in mean systolic, diatolic, and mean arterial pressure was obtained 30 minutes after administration of Nifedipine. The fall in all three parameters of blood pressure remained sustained and significant (p < 0.05) 6 hours after a single dose administration. Side effects were minimal and limited to headaches in 20% of patients and palpitations in 10%. All patients showed a sustained control of blood pressure over a three month follow up period on slow release Nifedipine. Addition of methyldopa resulted in improved blood pressure control in one patient with chronic renal failure. It was concluded that oral slow release Nifedipine is a drug of choice in the rapid and sustained control of blood pressure in severely hypertensive patients especially in a setting where critical intensive monitoring facilities are limited.