Enalapril scores an ACE against paediatric hypertension

ACE inhibitors have proved 'safe' and effective for treatment of hypertension, and many physicians use these agents as first-line therapy. However, little data exist to validate the safety and efficacy of ACE inhibitors in paediatric patients. Providing statistical support for empirical clinical practice, 3 studies have demonstrated that enalapril reduces BP and is generally well tolerated in children with hypertension. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug appears to be similar in children and adults, as reported at the 18th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension [Chicago, US; August 2000].