Fixed combination isosorbide dinitrate-hydralazine for nitric-oxide-enhancing therapy in heart failure.
The major advances in our understanding and management of heart failure (HF) in recent decades have not fully benefited all segments of our population. HF still represents a growing epidemic, especially for African-Americans, in whom the burden of HF is even greater. The recently reported beneficial effects of the fixed combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine (ISDN+HYD) in the African-American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT), has led to both the FDA approval of this agent and its endorsement by the latest HF guidelines. The properties of ISDN+HYD are well known as its components are mature agents, readily available in generic formulations that have been used for decades in other indications. However, fixed-dose ISDN+HYD represents the first drug to undergo targeted clinical development and to be approved for use in a specific ethnic group. As such, A-HeFT and the approval of ISDN+HYD represent landmark events that merit further scrutiny.
Franciosa
Joseph A
JA
350 East 79th Street, Apt. 9-C, New York, NY 10021, USA. josephafranciosa@aol.com
D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006830:Hydralazine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004338:Drug Combinations; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; C431665:isosorbide-hydralazine combination; D006830:Hydralazine; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate