Management of hypertension emergencies in elderly patients with isosorbide dinitrate aerosol

In this clinical trial, we assessed the effectiveness and safety of isosorbide dinitrate spray administered through the oral mucosa in 20 elderly patients (> 60 years old) with a hypertensive emergency (mean arterial pressure > 140 mmHg and target-organ damage). The patents were given a first dose of 1.25 mg of spray when they were admitted; a second dose was administered 15 min. later if the mean arterial pressure had not decreased by > 15%. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was done on every patient immediately prior and 30 min. after administering the medication. Three patients (15%) had a good response with one dose while 17 patients (85%) required a second dose. Thirty patients had a significant reduction in arterial blood pressure (193 +/- 91,123 +/- 5.4 to 154 + 7.1/92.5 + 6.2 mmHg p < 0.005) as well as of the mean arterial pressure (146.8 +/- B to 113 +/- 5 mmHg 23%, p < 0.005 > in a period of 30 min. No adverse effects, rebound hypertension nor severe hypotension were observed. These figures remained under control for 3 h. Both ECG, were normal. A reduction of 13.5% heart rate was obtained (p < 0.005). Our observations suggest that isosorbide dinitrate aerosol is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of elderly patients with hypertensive emergencies.