Comparison of the efficacy and long-term tolerability of a combination of atenolol and nifedipine with atenolol alone in the treatment of hypertension.

Abstract:  This randomised, double-blind crossover study in 30 hypertensive patients has demonstrated that the fixed combination of atenolol (50 mg) and nifedipine retard (20 mg) once daily lowered blood pressure to a significantly greater extent than atenolol (50 mg once daily) alone. In a follow-up six-month open tolerance study there was no evidence of tachyphylaxis, and treatment with the fixed combination was well tolerated. In selected hypertensive patients use of this fixed formulation may result in improved blood pressure control and benefit patient compliance.