Nitrendipine: a new dihydropyridine calcium-channel antagonist for the treatment of hypertension

Nitrendipine, an investigational dihydropyridine calcium-channel antagonist for the treatment of hypertension, is reviewed. Clinical trials report efficacy equal to that of hydralazine, diuretics, beta-blockers, and other calcium-channel blockers such as nifedipine, verapamil, and isradipine. Nitrendipine has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in that it is well absorbed and has a half-life long enough to allow once-daily administration in some patients. However, considerable variation observed with some pharmacokinetic parameters has consequently delayed marketing approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Adverse effects are generally mild and transient, and result from nitrendipine's vasodilatory properties. Nitrendipine may increase digoxin plasma concentrations in some patients, but this may not be clinically significant. Other studies are required to ascertain which drugs interact with nitrendipine. In summary, nitrendipine is safe and effective for treatment of hypertension, and because of its longer duration of action as well as lack of metabolic side effects, may provide an alternative to the present antihypertensive armamentarium.