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Amlodipine: an effective once-daily antihypertensive agent
1Pfizer Central Research, Kent, UK.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Amlodipine, a once-daily medication for hypertension, effectively controls blood pressure throughout the dosing interval. It demonstrates superior or comparable efficacy to other antihypertensive agents and is well-tolerated in long-term use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Hypertension is a prevalent global health concern requiring effective long-term management.
- Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists represent a key class of antihypertensive medications.
- Amlodipine offers a once-daily dosing regimen for improved patient compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and antihypertensive efficacy of amlodipine.
- To compare amlodipine's efficacy against other antihypertensive agents.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of amlodipine in long-term hypertension management.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic analysis to determine blood levels and duration of action.
- Dose-ranging studies to establish optimal starting and maintenance doses (5 mg and 10 mg).
- Comparative clinical trials against verapamil, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, captopril, and nitrendipine.
Main Results:
- Amlodipine maintains effective blood pressure control throughout the dosing interval.
- A starting dose of 5 mg daily, adjustable to 10 mg, is recommended.
- Amlodipine showed superior efficacy to verapamil and comparable efficacy to atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, captopril, and nitrendipine.
- Combination therapy with ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or thiazide diuretics enhanced antihypertensive effects.
- Long-term studies indicated no development of tolerance and good tolerability.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine is an effective and well-tolerated once-daily treatment for hypertension.
- Its pharmacokinetic properties ensure sustained blood pressure control.
- Amlodipine is a valuable option, both as monotherapy and in combination regimens, for managing hypertension.
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