Studio in cross‐over sugli effetti della ketanserina verso enalapril nel trattamento di soggetti ipertesi [Cross-over study on the effects of ketanserin vs enalapril in the treatment of hypertension]

The aim of the study was to compare antihypertensive efficacy and safety of ketanserin with those of enalapril in the treatment of hypertension. The study design was controlled, cross‐over, with randomized sequences. The efficacy was evaluated from data of 19 (9 males, 10 females) mean age 59.5 +/‐ 10.1 years, weight kg 68 +/‐ 12.1 with hypertension lasting over 5 years. Posology was ketanserin 20‐40 mg bid, and enalapril 10‐20 mg bid; both for three weeks. The efficacy was good with both treatments and the effects similar. In fact, at the end of the treatment with ketanserin, supine SBP was decreased 10 +/‐ 20 and DBP 5 +/‐ 10 mmHg, standing SBP was reduced 15 +/‐ 19 and DBP 7 +/‐ 15 mmHg. With enalapril supine SBP decreased 25 +/‐ 16 and DBP 10 +/‐ 13 mmHg, standing SBP was reduced 16 +/‐ 19 and DBP 8 +/‐ 18 mmHg. Changes of heart rate by either treatment were of no clinical importance. The safety of treatment with ketanserin was excellent, while 14.3% of the patients treated with enalapril had undesirable effects.