title: Optimal dosing characteristics of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist telmisartan.
abstract: An optimal antihypertensive drug produces superior blood pressure-lowering effects at established dosages, with an acceptably low incidence of side effects, and at a dosage interval that is convenient for patients (ideally, once daily). The angiotensin II receptor antagonist, telmisartan, meets these criteria. At doses of > or = 40 mg, this once-daily drug produces a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and high trough-peak ratios attest to the smooth, consistent blood pressure-lowering effect of telmisartan at 40- and 80-mg dosages. Telmisartan also demonstrates a statistically superior antihypertensive effect toward the end of the dosing interval compared with amlodipine and losartan, and it has a side-effect profile comparable to that of placebo. In summary, the evidence suggests that telmisartan at dosages of 40 and 80 mg once daily satisfies the 3 criteria of an ideal antihypertensive agent, producing an effective and sustained response with placebo-like tolerability.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Gardiner Institute, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Meredith
mesh_terms: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001565:Benzoates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077333:Telmisartan; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D001565:Benzoates; D000077333:Telmisartan