Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of tiapamil

Tiapamil, a new calcium antagonist, was evaluated for its antihypertensive and metabolic effects in a long-term (58 weeks) drug trial in 20 adult outpatient mild to moderately hypertensive subjects. Baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped after initiation of treatment and was significantly reduced after 4 weeks of treatment, further improving until the termination of the study. There was no impairment of renal and hepatic functions. Electrolytes, plasma aldosterone, plasma renin activity, as well as plasma lipids were not significantly altered during the course of therapy. Fasting blood sugar determinations and oral glucose tolerance test showed significant reductions from the baseline level as a result of the drug treatment. In conclusion, tiapamil is a metabolically safe and effective antihypertensive drug for long-term use.