Evaluation of a therapeutic conversion from amlodipine to felodipine.
OBJECTIVE
To determine patient satisfaction with and tolerability of a conversion from a long-acting calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, to felodipine. Secondary objectives were to compare the effect of the change on blood pressure and heart rate and the economic impact of the change.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Veterans Affairs health care system.


METHODS
Two hundred eighty-three men who were taking amlodipine to manage hypertension.


METHODS
Patients who were converted to felodipine were mailed a survey quantifying subjective symptoms; the survey also included questions specific to the change program. Transitory blood pressure and heart rate measurements retrieved by electronic chart review were evaluated during therapy with both amlodipine and felodipine.


RESULTS
Ninety-five percent of patients were satisfied with the conversion process and tolerated the switch from amlodipine to felodipine. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced by 4.4 and 2.6 mm Hg, respectively (p=0.166 and 0.187, respectively). Heart rate was reduced significantly by 4.2 beats/minute (p=0.008). The conversion realized a net annual drug cost savings of approximately dollars 16,000.


CONCLUSIONS
Our patient population was satisfied with the conversion from amlodipine to felodipine, and the new drug was found to be effective, well tolerated, and associated with a modest cost reduction.
Manzo
Bruce A
BA
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Thomas J. Long, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California 95211, USA.
Matalka
Mazen S
MS
Ravnan
Susan L
SL
D000368:Aged; D017311:Amlodipine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D015736:Felodipine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D017311:Amlodipine; D015736:Felodipine