[Acute reduction of blood pressure: comparative study of nifedipine and clonidine].
PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of clonidine and nifedipine in rapidly reducing blood pressure (BP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with arterial hypertension of any cause were selected and randomly divided in three groups: P group, consisting of 9 patients who received placebo; N group, consisting of 17 patients, 8 males, mean age of 47 years who received 10 mg of sublingual nifedipine; C group, consisting of 18 patients, 6 males, with mean age of 47 years who received 0.2 mg of clonidine per os. The BP were measured on admission and every 15 minutes for 1 hour. The final goal of treatment was to lower diastolic pressure in 20 mmHg or more. RESULTS: At the end of 60 minutes the nifedipine as well as clonidine were equally effective in lowering BP. The earliest manifestation of drug activity occurred at 25 minutes after administration. Side effects were noted only with clonidine in 23% of the cases, but without any clinical significance. CONCLUSION: Nifedipine as well as clonidine are equally effective in rapidly lowering BP with minimal side effects.