CCBs, ACEIs no better than older drugs

The newer hypertensives, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, are no more effective than their predecessors diuretics and beta blockers says a new study from Germany.¹ Nine hundred patients were randomized to one of four drugs, and atenolol was the most effective, based on measurements of potency and tolerability. Nitrendipine showed the highest dropout rate. Enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide were more effective in women than in men.

^Reference

1. Philipp T, Anlauf M, Distler A, et al. Randomised, double blind, multicentre comparison of hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, nitrendipine, and enalapril in antihypertensive treatment. BMJ 1997; 315:154-159.