Effects of azelnidipine on uric acid metabolism in patients with essential hypertension

Abstract

Purpose: To examine effects of a long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB) azelnidipine on uric acid metabolism in hypertensive patients.Methods: Azelnidipine was administered to 72 patients at a daily dose of 8 mg or 16 mg. In 22 cases out of the 72 patients, a different CCB was switched to azelnidipine. Blood pressure was measured and biochemical parameters of blood and urine were evaluated before and 2–3 months after the administration.Results: Azelnidipine significantly decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the heart rate. It decreased both serum urate levels and the urinary uric acid to creatinine ratio (Uur/Ucr), but did not affect the uric acid clearance to creatinine clearance ratio (Cur/Ccr). Azelnidipine decreased both Uur/Ucr and Cur/Ccr in patients with Uur/Ucr ≥0.5 or ≥0.34, although it did not change these clearance parameters in patients with Uur/Ucr <0.5 or <0.34. Azelnidipine decreased the serum urate levels and Uur/Ucr in hyperuricemic patients with uric acid levels ≥7.0 mg/dL in males and ≥6.0 mg/dL in females. It did not change these parameters in normouricemic patients with serum urate levels <7.0 mg/dL in males and <6.0 mg/dL in females. Azelnidipine decreased Uur/Ucr and Cur/Ccr in hyperuricemic patients with normal or overexcretion of uric acid, although it did not change these clearance parameters in hyperuricemic patients with uric acid hypoexcretion.Conclusions: Azelnidipine decreased the serum urate acid levels and Uur/Ucr, and this response was most prominent in hyperuricemic patients or patients with normal and overexcretion of uric acid.