Recent Update on Fixed Combinations of Antihypertensive Agents

ABSTRACT

The amlodipine/atorvastatin single tablet has been shown to improve patients' achievement of national guideline recommended blood pressure and lipid target levels and exhibits a safety profile consistent with the parent com-pounds. The single tablet formulation has the potential to improve adherence and decrease prescription costs. These potential benefits are associated with important implications because hypertensive patients with additional risk factors represent a large proportion of those at risk for cardiovascular events. Combination low-dose drug treatment increases efficacy and reduces adverse effects. Fixed low-dose combination drug treatment increases efficacy and reduces adverse effects. This combination has greater potency and a similar side effect profile to monotherapy and represents a highly effective approach for attaining goal blood pressure levels using a therapeutic strategy that very effectively lowers blood pressure, is well-tolerated, and minimizes increasing doses of monotherapy-induced metabolic effects.