Injected High Blood Pressure Drug Approved by FDA

Cleviprex (clevidipine butyrate), produced by the Medicines Co. of Parsippany, N.J., is to be given when oral high blood pressure drugs are not promising or preferred.

Cleviprex is different from other High Blood Pressure drugs in that it does not accumulate in the body. The metabolism of Cleviprex takes place in tissues and blood and not in the kidneys or liver.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said they approved the drug basing on clinical studies conducted on 1,406 people. The side effects where rather mild. Most people reported headache, nausea and vomiting, the company said.

The American Heart Association defines High blood pressure in adults as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure.

When the heart beats, a pressure is created in the arteries. It’s termed Blood pressure or systolic pressure. When the heart is resting, the pressure is referred to as diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

High blood pressure increases the risk of coronary heart diseases which usually lead to heart attacks and stroke.

Source Forbes.Com