Piretanide, a potassium stable diuretic, in the treatment of essential hypertension
In a randomized, double blind, parallel group study in out patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension the effects of piretanide on serum electrolytes and on blood pressure were compared with those of triamterene alone and the combination piretanide + triamterene. 136 patients entered the study; 18 patients did not fulfill the inclusion criteria (RRdiast was below 95 mmHg or above 120 mmHg) at the end of the placebo period, 6 dropped out due to side effects, and 1 due to lack of efficacy. Data from 1 patient were not evaluated because the patient did not come regularly for checkups. The results for 110 patients were analyzed. Piretanide 6 mg b.d. and piretanide 6 mg + triamterene 50 mg b.d. produced a significant reduction both in supine and erect blood pressure, which was evident at 2 weeks and which increased over the ensuing 12 week trial period. A mean maximal fall of 16.5% was noted in the piretanide group and 15% in the piretanide + triamterene group. Triamterene alone (50 mg b.d.) also reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressures but the reduction was significantly less (diastolic blood pressure) than in both the piretanide groups, and it showed a more rapid return to pretreatment level during a placebo washout phase at the end of the study. A reduction in standing diastolic blood pressure below 95 mmHg was attained in 84% of patients in the piretanide group, 82% in the piretanide + triamterene group and in only 58% of the triamterene group. There were no significant changes within groups nor differences between the three groups in serum potassium or magnesium. 7 patients were withdrawn from the study because of side-effects due to too marked a clinical action (polyuria, orthostatic disorders and hypotension), one from the piretanide group, and the others in the piretanide + triamterene group. One patient in the triamterene group left the study prematurely due to the lack of effect.