Evaluation of the antihypertensive efficacy of lisinopril and captopril associated with hydrochlorothiazide by ambulatory measurement of arterial pressure

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, particularly in terms of the 24-hour cover, and the safety of lisinopril 20 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg 5L/HCTZ) and captopril 50 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (C/HCTZ) in patients with essential HT requiring two-agent therapy. Twenty patients with a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 and 120 mmHg after 2 weeks of placebo were randomised to receive, under double-blind conditions, either L/HCTZ or C/HCTZ as a single daily dose for 4 weeks. Clinical examination, laboratory tests and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed at the end of the placebo and active treatment periods. L/HCTZ and C/HCTZ significantly lowered SBP and DBP on occasional recordings and on ABPM. The mean fall in blood pressure on ABPM (SBP, DBP, mean of 24-hour recording, diurnal and nocturnal) at 4 weeks was greater with L/HCTZ than with C/HCTZ. Both treatments were effective for 24 hours and did not alter the circadian cycle. The clinical and laboratory safety was good. The blood pressure figures obtained by ABPM were lower than on occasional recordings, emphasising the value of this technique in the evaluation of a patient's poor response to antihypertensive treatment.