Diltiazem and Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene as Initial Therapy for Mild to Moderate Essential Hypertension

In a double-blind randomised parallel trial, diltiazem (120mg 2 or 3 times daily) was compared with hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene (25/50 or 50/100mg once daily) for 12 weeks, with regard to blood pressure lowering and adverse effects, in 61 evaluable patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension (diastolic blood pressure ⩾ 95mm Hg). The two treatments were equally effective in reducing blood pressure, and the proportion of responders did not differ.