Antihypertensive Effect of 4 (-2'-Nitrophenyl)-2, 6-Dimethyl-1, 4-Dihydropyridine-3, 5-Dicarbonic Acid Dimethylester (Nifedipine, Bay-a 1040), a New Coronary Dilator

Oral administration of 10mg. of Bay-a 1040, a new coronary dilator, produced a marked reduction of arterial pressure which was associated with a consistent decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and an increase in cardiac output and stroke volume. Changes in heart rate and left ventricular work were variable. In 20 hypertensive patients treated with the drug in doses of 10mg. per day, a modest antihypertensive effect was achieved. Side effects including dryness of the mouth and burning sensation in face and legs, were observed in few patients.