Nifedipine monotherapy in the hypertensive elderly: a placebo-controlled clinical trial.

A single-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out to evaluate the suitability of slow-release nifedipine as antihypertensive monotherapy for the elderly. After a wash-out period, nifedipine slow-release tablets (20 mg twice daily) followed by matching placebo were administered, each for 4 weeks, to 23 patients over 60 years of age with essential mild to moderate hypertension. Nifedipine significantly reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and increased the pulse rate in both supine and upright positions.