Losulazine, a new antihypertensive

The efficacy of losulazine was determined in 32 patients with hypertension. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive either losulazine (n = 16) or placebo (n = 16) in a double-blind fashion. Losulazine in the dosage range of 10 to 30 mg b.i.d. effectively lowered the blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure was lowered to less than or equal to 90 mm Hg in over 70% of the subjects receiving losulazine. There was no evidence of an increase in heart rate; to the contrary, there was a tendency for heart rate to decrease. Six subjects dropped out of the study before completion. Four of these were receiving placebo and dropped out because of lack of efficacy. One subject receiving losulazine dropped out for personal reasons during the first week of the study, and the Other subject (also taking losulazine) dropped out when a drug-related pruritus (itchy eyes) developed. This event was readily reversed upon discontinuation of the drug. The drug was well tolerated and side effects were minimal, with no evidence of orthostatic effects or sexual dysfunction. There was a suggestion that nasal stuffiness and conjunctival congestion may be drug related. There were no changes in any laboratory values or body weight.