The role of fixed-dose combinations in the management of hypertension: focus on lercanidipine-enalapril.
Achieving optimal blood pressure (BP) control is the most important single issue in the management of hypertension, and in most patients, it is difficult or impossible to achieve target levels with one drug. Blocking two or more regulatory systems provides a more effective and more physiologic reduction in BP, and current guidelines have recommended the use of combination therapy as first-line treatment, or early in the management of hypertension. Fixed-dose combination therapy is an efficacious, relatively safe and cost-effective treatment option in most patients with essential hypertension. Of note, the once-daily administration of a fixed-dose enalapril/lercanidipine, by bringing together two distinct and complementary mechanisms of action, reduces BP effectively and has the potential for improved target organ protection relative to either class agent alone.
Chatzikyrkou
Christos
C
Hannover Medical School, Nephrology and Hypertension, Carl-Neuberg-Street.1, Hannover 30625, Germany.
Haller
Hermann
H
Menne
Jan
J
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004095:Dihydropyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004656:Enalapril / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004095:Dihydropyridines; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004656:Enalapril; C060343:lercanidipine