Antihypertensive Effect of the Oral Angiotensin Converting-Enzyme Inhibitor SQ 14225 in Man

TLDR

The exact mechanisms contributing to the blood‑pressure‑lowering effect of this agent remain unclear. The study examined SQ 14225 in 12 hypertensive patients over 3–24 weeks, administering oral doses of 400–1000 mg daily. Treatment lowered blood pressure from 177/110 to 136/88 mm Hg, increased plasma potassium and pulse rate slightly, caused a transient febrile reaction in one patient, raised plasma renin activity, lowered aldosterone, eliminated ACE activity, and showed no link between baseline renin and BP drop, confirming SQ 14225 as a promising antihypertensive for refractory patients.

Abstract

We investigated the antihypertensive effect of the angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor SQ 14225 in 12 hypertensive patients for periods of three to 24 weeks. Blood pressure decreased in all patients (from 177 +/- 8/110 +/- 2 to 136 +/- 6/88 +/- 2 mm Hg--mean +/- S.E. ); oral doses ranged from 400 to 1000 mg daily. Concomitant effects noted were small increases in plasma potassium concentration and pulse rate. One patient experienced a transient febrile reaction. Plasma renin activity rose during treatment, plasma aldosterone decreased, and angiotensin-converting-enzyme activity was virtually eliminated. There was no significant correlation between pretreatment plasma renin activity and degree of blood-pressure fall with SQ 14225. The exact mechanisms contributing to the blood-pressure-lowering effect of this agent remain unclear. SQ 14225 is a promising new antihypertensive agent, effective in patients refractory to traditional medical therapy.