Metabolic profile of indapamide sustained-release in patients with hypertension - Data from three randomised double-blind studies

Objective: To evaluate the influence of indapamide sustained-release (SR) 1.5 mg/day, a thiazide-related sulfonamide diuretic, on serum levels of lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose and uric acid, and renal function (serum urea and creatinine levels). Methods: Pooled data from three randomised, double-blind, controlled studies are analysed. Two of these studies were of short duration (2 and 3 months), one of which included a 9-month nonblind extension phase, and the third was a 12-month prospective study. Short- and long-term metabolic effects of the treatment could thus be analysed. All studies were conducted in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension; the total population randomised in these studies comprised H 95 patients, of whom 505 had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Results: After 2 to 3 months' treatment with indapamide SR 1.5 mg/day, there was no significant change from baseline in serum lipid levels and glucose levels. This neutral effect was maintained after 9 and 12 months of treatment. Renal function was not affected by short- or long-term indapamide SR 1.5 mg/day therapy. Serum uric acid level was slightly increased after short-term therapy. but was restored to baseline values during long-term therapy with indapamide SR 1.5 mg/day. Conclusions: Indapamide SR 1.5 mg/day has no deleterious effect on glucose metabolism, serum levels of lipids and uric acid, or renal function. This antihypertensive agent can be considered to be an attractive therapeutic choice for all patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, including the elderly and patients with increased cardiovascular risks, i.e. those with LVH.