Efficacy of monotherapy versus combination therapy in moderate hypertension

ABSTRACT

This prospective study was conducted to ascertain the difference in efficacy of a long term ACE inhibitor, Ramipril, used alone and in combination with a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, amlodipine, in moderate hypertension. The patients were free from long term complications of hypertension. This study included 60 patients aged 25-62 years [42 males, 18 females] with essential hypertension, stage II i.e. systolic B.P ³160 mmHg and diastolic B.P[3] 100mmHg [JNCVI ]. Two groups of patients were formed, group A included patients treated with Ramipril alone and group B included patients treated with combination of Ramipril and amlodipine over a period of six weeks. The study showed a prominent decline in blood pressure of patients in both groups, however target blood pressure was achieved and sustained more effectively in group B. It is concluded that in order to obtain a more stable drop in blood pressure, combination therapy is more beneficial both in efficacy and cost effectiveness than monotherapy