Antihypertensive and renal effects of enalapril and slow-release verapamil in essential hypertension

The renal, metabolic and antihypertensive effects of enalapril (E) and slow-release verapamil (V) were compared in a 2-month double-blind crossover trial in 22 patients with newly discovered essential hypertension. The glomerular filtration rate and renal vascular resistance were unaltered; renal blood flow was slightly decreased by V. Serum Ca2+ increased and Na+ excretion declined after V. Serum lipids, glucose, and erythrocyte electrolytes were unchanged. Blood pressure (BP) was lower with E after half the maximum dosage compared with V, but similar BP reductions were obtained after 2 months with the maximum dosage.