Quinapril: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Essential Hypertension

Quinapril HCl is a novel, nonsulf hydryl angiotensin-converting en zyme (ACE) inhibitor. The Study Group evaluated its efficacy (20, 40, 80 mg daily with forced dose titration determination at trough blood pres sure) once daily versus twice daily versus placebo, as well as its tolera bility and safety, in 270 patients with mild to moderate essential hyperten sion (WHO Stages I and II, sitting diastolic blood pressure [DPB] ≥95 mm Hg), for twelve weeks. Reduc tions in DBP of up to 13 mm Hg were obtained, and in full dosage more than 65% of patients achieved a re duction in DBP of 10 mm Hg or more from baseline or reduced their DBP to 90 mm Hg or less. Quinapril was well tolerated, and reported adverse effects were scarcely more frequent than in the placebo group. Once daily doses of quinapril were as safe and effective as twice-daily doses. Quina pril is likely to exhibit good therapeu tic utility in the management of essential hypertension.