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Role of valsartan, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide fixed combination in blood pressure control: an update

Authors Destro M, Cagnoni F, D’Ospina A, Ricci AR, Demichele E, Peros E, Zaninelli A, Preti P

Published 14 April 2010 Volume 2010:6 Pages 253—260

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S6805

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Maurizio Destro1, Francesca Cagnoni1, Antonio D’Ospina1, Alessandra Rossi Ricci1, Elena Demichele1, Emmanouil Peros1, Augusto Zaninelli2, Paola Preti3

1Internal Medicine, Ospedale Unificato Broni-Stradella, Stradella (PV), Italy; 2General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 3Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

Abstract: The treatment of moderate or severe hypertension in most cases requires the contemporaneous use of multiple antihypertensive agents. The most available two-drug combinations have an agent that addresses renin secretion and another one that is statistically more effective in renin-independent hypertension. The practice of combining agents that counteract different mechanisms is the most likely explanation for the fact that most available two-drug combinations have an agent that addresses renin secretion (beta-blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker or direct renin inhibitor) and another one that is more effective in renin-independent hypertension (diuretic, dihydropyridine or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker). Based on these considerations, addition of hydrochlorothiazide to the combination of an antagonist of the renin-angiotensin system with a calcium channel blocker would constitute a logical approach. Inclusion of a diuretic in the triple combination is based on the evidence that these agents are effective and cheap, enhance the effect of other antihypertensive agents, and add a specific effect to individuals with salt-sensitivity of blood pressure. The benefit of triple combination therapy with amlodipine, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide over its dual component therapies has been demonstrated, and the use of a single pill will simplify therapy resulting in better blood pressure control.

Keywords: valsartan, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ, blood pressure, hypertension

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