COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF BENIDIPINE, AZELNIDIPINE, AND FELODIPINE IN HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition and a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are commonly used antihypertensive agents. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Benidipine, Azelnidipine, and Felodipine in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, between April 2024 and March 2025. Ninety adults (aged 18–70 years) with primary hypertension were enrolled and divided into three treatment groups (n=30 each). Patients received Benidipine (Group A), Azelnidipine (Group B), or Felodipine (Group C) and were followed for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Results: The study population comprised 60% males and 40% females, with the majority aged 48–57 years. All three treatment groups showed statistically significant reductions in SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Group A: SBP 148 ± 10 to 132 ± 8 mmHg, DBP 94 ± 6 to 82 ± 5 mmHg; Group B: SBP 150 ± 12 to 135 ± 9 mmHg, DBP 95 ± 7 to 83 ± 6 mmHg; Group C: SBP 149 ± 11 to 133 ± 10 mmHg, DBP 94 ± 6 to 81 ± 5 mmHg. Heart rate and MAP also decreased comparably across groups. No significant adverse effects were observed, indicating good tolerability.

Conclusion: Benidipine, Azelnidipine, and Felodipine effectively reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and MAP in patients with essential hypertension over 12 weeks, with comparable efficacy and safety profiles. All three drugs can be considered viable options for hypertension management.