title: Valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide: a review of its use since its introduction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This review focuses on the role of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) drug valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in the treatment of hypertension. Effective blood pressure control often is not achieved with monotherapy and, instead, requires combinations of drugs with different mechanisms of action to produce additive or synergistic effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  FDC valsartan/HCTZ enhances not only efficacy for blood pressure control but also provides beneficial effects on target organs beyond that expected from arterial pressure reduction alone. Data describe key clinical trial experiences with the FDC, with particular attention to efficacy and tolerability. Literature searches of these various topics were conducted in January 2011. There is evidence of potential benefits with this combination associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular dysfunction and renal disease. The FDC is an effective treatment for patients with hypertension and is superior to monotherapy than either drug alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In addition to the benefits of each drug, valsartan/HCTZ's metabolic interactions reduce some of the negative effects of both compounds. With its increased simplicity, minimal side-effect profile and efficacy without a significant cost penalty, valsartan/HCTZ represents an excellent choice for antihypertensive therapy.
authors: Department of Cardiology , University of Tennessee Medical Center, 1924 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA.
authors: Jujhar
authors: J
authors: Bains
authors: William B
authors: WB
authors: Smith
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016527:Drug Costs; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology; D017379:Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / Q000517:prevention & control; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000517:prevention & control; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014633:Valine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068756:Valsartan; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D013777:Tetrazoles; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; D000068756:Valsartan; D014633:Valine