A Study of MK-7145 Compared to Placebo and Hydrochlorothiazide for Lowering Blood Pressure in Male Participants With Hypertension (MK-7145-009)

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of essential hypertension
• Body mass index (BMI) ≤35 kg/m^2
• Participant in general good health
• No history of clinically significant arrhythmias or clinically significant abnormality on electrocardiogram (ECG)
• No history of clinically significant cardiac disease
• Treatment-naïve or taking up to 2 antihypertensive therapeutic agents
• Non-smoker and/or has not used nicotine or nicotine-containing products for at least 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• Participant has low plasma potassium
• History of stroke, chronic seizures, or major neurological disorder
• History of clinically significant endocrine, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, hepatic, immunological, renal, respiratory, or genitourinary abnormalities or diseases
• History of osteoporosis
• Active or history of nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis or hypercalciuria
• Orthostatic change in vital sign measurements while going from a semi-recumbent to standing position accompanied by symptoms
• Functional disability that can interfere with rising from a semi-recumbent position to the standing position
• History of malignant neoplastic disease. Exceptions: (1) adequately treated non-melanomatous skin carcinoma; (2) other malignancies which have been successfully treated >10 years prior to the prestudy (screening) visit, (3) unlikely to sustain a recurrence
• Participant is unable to refrain from the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs such as high-dose aspirin (≥325 mg/day), strong/moderate Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (such as ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, erythromycin, telithromycin, clarithromycin, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, aprepitant, verapamil, or diltiazem) as well as strong/moderate CYP3A4 inducers (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, efavirenz, nevirapine, etravirine, rifampicin, modafinil, St Johns Wort, cyproterone, or progestin) beginning approximately 2 weeks (or 5 half-lives), prior to administration of the initial dose of study drug until the post study visit
• Current use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) other than low dose aspirin, aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids, sucralfate, metal cations such as iron, multivitamins containing iron or zinc that cannot be discontinued at least 2 weeks (or 5 half-lives) prior to administration of the initial dose of study drug until the post study visit
• Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol, defined as greater than 3 glasses of alcoholic beverages (1 glass is approximately equivalent to: beer [284 mL/10 ounces], wine [125 mL/4 ounces], or distilled spirits [25 mL/1 ounce]) per day
• Participant consumes excessive amounts, defined as greater than 6 servings (1 serving is approximately equivalent to 120 mg of caffeine) of coffee, tea, cola, or other caffeinated beverages per day
• Major surgery, donation or lost 1 unit of blood (approximately 500 mL), or participation in another investigational study within 4 weeks prior to the prestudy (screening)
• History of significant multiple and/or severe allergies (including latex allergy), or has had an anaphylactic reaction or significant intolerability to prescription or non-prescription drugs or food
• Regular use of any illicit drugs or history of drug abuse within approximately 6 months
• Dehydration or volume-depletion