Comparison between the Efficacy of Amlodipine with Captopril in the Management of Uncontrolled Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Amlodipine with Captopril in the management of patients presenting to the emergency department with uncontrolled blood pressure.

Study Design: Comparative prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Emergency Department, Combined Military Hospital, Malir Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2021.

Methodology: A total of 127 individuals presenting to the Emergency Department with two readings of uncontrolled blood pressure (Systolic blood pressure ≥ 160mmHg and Diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg) were included. They were administered a tablet of Captopril 12.5mg per oral and a tablet of Amlodipine 10mg per oral on the turn by turn basis. Patients were observed for 3 hours and monitored for the reduction in blood. The efficacy of medication was judged based on the ability to achieve target blood pressure reduction, which was at least a 20-30% reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Results: Out of 127 individuals, 65(51.2%) patients were given a tablet of Captopril 12.5mg orally, and 62(48.8%) were given a tablet of Amlodipine 10mg orally. The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure was 20.73±5.17 in all patients. In addition,target blood pressure reduction was achieved in 35(53.8%) individuals of the Captopril-Group and 33(53.2%) of the Amlodipine-Group, with a total of 68(53.5%) individuals achieving target blood pressure within 3 hours after medication.

Conclusion: Both medications were efficient in achieving target blood pressure levels. However, no drug was superior to another in reducing blood pressure in an emergency.