Once a Day Verapamil in Essential Hypertension

Pharmacodynamic and therapeutic studies with a new slow release 240 mg verapamil formulation were performed in a total of 73 patients with essential hypertension (WHO I-II, diastolic greater than or equal to 100 mm Hg). Chronic administration of slow release 240 mg verapamil, one or two tablets in the morning, resulted in 24 h plasma concentration profiles with trough levels greater than 40 ng ml-1 in 14 of 16 patients and good 24 h blood pressure control. There was no correlation between plasma verapamil or norverapamil concentration and blood pressure response. Monotherapy with slow release verapamil was well tolerated and resulted in good blood pressure control (less than or equal to 95 mm Hg diastolic) in 46 of the 57 patients. Responses were best in older patients and those with low plasma renin or higher control blood pressure. Slow release 240 mg verapamil given once daily is a simple and effective regimen.