Summary
An open parallel study was carried out in general practice on 70 patients with uncomplicated mild to moderate hypertension to compare the hypotensive efficacy of hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride with that of cyclopenthiazide/potassium. After a 2-week baseline period on placebo, patients were allocated at random to receive treatment with one or other of the diuretics starting with 1 tablet per day and increasing up to a maximum of 4 tablets per day or until their supine diastolic blood pressure was 90 mmHg or less. They were then continued at their optimum dose for a further 4 weeks. Analysis of the results from 62 patients showed that the hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride preparation produced both a greater decrease and better control of blood pressure in a greater percentage of patients than did the comparison diuretic. In addition, the beneficial effects were attained with fewer tablets, of importance for patient compliance.