The effectiveness of Altiazem PP in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in combination with mild and moderate arterial hypertension according to daily blood pressure monitoring

Althiazem РР is a selective blocker of slow calcium channels belonging to long-acting benzodiazepines, used for treating arterial hypertension. The efficacy and tolerance of 3-month monotherapy with althiazem PP in a daily dose of 180-360 mg was studied in 20 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) combined with mild and moderate arterial hypertension. Acute drug test with daily arterial pressure (AP) monitoring showed that the number of the drug doses was determined by the severity of arterial hypertension and the circadian rhythm (r^0.68 and r—0.83, respectively). Daily monitoring of AP showed a significant decrease in the mean 24-h, mean daily, and mean nightly AP values. Diastolic AP normalized in 75%opatients and decreased by 10 mm Hg and more in 25%. "Pressure loading” in the daytime and at night decreased by 29.1 and 31.3%o, respectively. Increased variability of systolic AP for 24-h period decreased by 12.5%) during awakening hours and by 9.8% during sleeping. Heart rate virtually did not change. The drug exerted no negative effects on normal biphasic AP rhythm. Althiazem PP decreased the morning APpeak without notably changing the extent and rate of AP rises during the early morning hours. The drug had no negative effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Althiazem PP therapy had to be discontinued in only one female patient because of strong headaches. These data confirm high efficacy and good tolerance of althiazem PP as monotherapy for arterial hypertension in patients with NIDDM.