News - Hypertension Week of March 16, 2003/ Vol. 2 No. 11

FDA Approves new Nighttime Hypertension Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug InnoPran XL for the treatment of hypertension.

InnoPran XL is the only product in its class that is approved for administration in the evening. A once-daily dose of the drug contains an extended-release formulation of propranolol hydrochloride that provides 24-hour blood pressure control.

With evening administration, clinical trials have shown reduction in blood pressure in the early morning hours when most heart attacks occur and sustained control throughout the day. The drug mirrors the body's circadian rhythm.

InnoPran XL can be used alone or in combination with other anti-hypertensive agents. The drug will be available in 80mg and 120mg capsules. The drug's maker, Reliant Pharmaceuticals, expects initial shipments of InnoPran XL to begin in early April.

Other Sources: Reliant Pharmaceuticals