AMLODIPINE IN HYPERTENSIVE RENAL-ALLOGRAFTS RECIPIENTS RECEIVING CYCLOSPORINE

Amlodipine (AML) is a new calcium channel blocker from the dihydropiridine group. In order to assess the effect of AML on blood pressure, biochemical parameters and cyclosporine levels we present our results in the treatment of 24 hypertensive renal transplant patients who were under an inmunosupressive regimen which included Cyclosporine and prednisone. AML mean dose was 5-10 mg once daily with a follow-up period of six months. In 15 patients AML IR as used as a single drug; in 9 patients AML had to be accompanied by other drugs. At the end of the study systolic BP was reduced from 166 +/- 20 to 145 +/- 13 mm Hg (p < 0,05); diastolic BP from 98 +/- 11 to 87 +/- 6 mm Hg (p < 0,05). No statistically significant changes were observed in biochemical parameters (glycemia, serum uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and serum potassium. Cyclosporine levels were not influenced by AML. Side effects were seen in 5 patients necessitating witdrawal AML in 3 of them. In our study the administration of AML in the treatment of renal transplant hypertension: 1) has proved to be effective, 2) with few side effects, 3) and with no influence on biochemical parameters, graft function or cyclosporine levels.