Nisoldipine coat core (CC) is a long-acting dihydropyridine with good tolerability. Ambulatory blood pressure measurements in a large, South African multicenter trial show that it has an excellent trough:peak ratio, and that it reduces the early morning rise in blood pressure without any tachycardia. Nisoldipine CC is an effective antihypertensive agent in both black and nonblack South African ethnic groups. In another South African study, regression of left ventricular hypertrophy was achieved in black patients with severe diastolic hypertension. Safety issues are discussed against the background of the testing of this drug in postinfarct left ventricular dysfunction.