The effect was similar to that obtained when thiazides are used as a single agent .
Thiazides when given as a second-line drug have a dose related effect to lower blood pressure that is similar to when they are added as a first-line drug .
This means that the BP lowering effect of thiazides is additive .
Loop diuretics appear to have a similar blood pressure lowering effect as thiazides at 1 times the recommended starting dose .
Because of the short duration of the trials and lack of reporting of adverse events , this review does not provide a good estimate of the incidence of adverse effects of diuretics given as a second-line drug
BACKGROUND Diuretics are widely prescribed for hypertension not only as a first-line drug but also as a second-line drug .
Therefore , it is essential to determine the effects of diuretics on blood pressure ( BP ) , heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse effects ( WDAEs ) when given as a second-line drug .
[Effectiveness and tolerance of combined verapamil retard and hydrochlorothiazide. Results of a double-blind, randomized study].
AIM To determine , in a multicenter study , whether the fixed combination of verapamil retard ( 240 mg ) and hydrochlorothiazide ( 12.5 mg ) is capable of lowering blood pressure more effectively than either of the substances alone or placebo , while retaining good tolerability . METHOD A total of 173 patients who , after a four-week run-in period had a diastolic blood pressure of at least 100 and not more than 115 mm Hg , were r and omized to six weeks of monotherapy with one of the two substances , placebo or the fixed combination .  RESULTS Combination treatment proved superior to monotherapy with either substance in lowering the diastolic blood pressure ( p < 0.05 ) . Also in terms of normalization ( diastolic pressure < 90 mm Hg ) the combination was clearly superior ( p < 0.05 ) . During the study no side effects beyond those associated with the single substances , occurred
The effect was similar to that obtained when thiazides are used as a single agent .
Thiazides when given as a second-line drug have a dose related effect to lower blood pressure that is similar to when they are added as a first-line drug .
This means that the BP lowering effect of thiazides is additive .
Loop diuretics appear to have a similar blood pressure lowering effect as thiazides at 1 times the recommended starting dose .
Because of the short duration of the trials and lack of reporting of adverse events , this review does not provide a good estimate of the incidence of adverse effects of diuretics given as a second-line drug
BACKGROUND Diuretics are widely prescribed for hypertension not only as a first-line drug but also as a second-line drug .
Therefore , it is essential to determine the effects of diuretics on blood pressure ( BP ) , heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse effects ( WDAEs ) when given as a second-line drug .