Antiaggregating efficacy and tolerability of picotamide monohydrate in mild essential hypertension

In a double-blind, double-dummy study, the antiaggregating efficacy and tolerability of 300 mg of picotamide TID were compared with 50 mg of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in 16 patients with mild essential hypertension during chronic antihypertensive treatment (atenolol 100 mg/day). Both treatments reduced plasma beta-thromboglobulin to the same extent (from 30 ± 1 ng/ml to 17 ± 1 ng/ml; P < 0.001) and increased the bleeding time significantly (from 137 ± 7 sec to 186 ± 8 and 184 ± 9 sec for ASA and picotamide, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). No significant changes were seen with either treatment in terms of fibrinogen and platelet count. During the study, plasma renin activity, urinary 24-hour electrolytes, and proximal tubular function remained stable. Our results indicate that picotamide is as effective as aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation.