This study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of benidipine hydrochloride, a Ca⁺⁺-channel blocker, in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

Benidipine was administered in 2-8mg once daily for 10 weeks in 16 hypertensive patients with diastolic blood pressure over 95mmHg and adverse effects were checked every two weeks after benidipine administration. Chest X-ray, ECG, funduscopy, and laboratory examination were performed before and after benidipine administration.

The antihypertensive effect of benidipine was evaluated in 15 patients and the safety in 16 patients. The blood pressure significantly reduced from 170±12mmHg/102±5mmHg to 137±15mmHg/86±8mmHg at 10-week administration of benidipine and the overall effective rate was 100%. Heart rate was not affected by benidipine. The slight increase of total protein, BUN, potassium, and glucose was observed at 10 weeks of benidipine administration. Four cases of headache and 1 case of frequent urination were observed and the medication was discontinued in one patient due to headache.

Benidipine proved effective and safe in the treatment of essential hypertension.