ABSTRACT

Introduction: Hypertension, being a multi factorial disease, is well managed by using fixed dose combination of antihypertensive agents.

Aim: To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of the fixed dose combination of S(-)Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide (ESLO-D) in patients with hypertension.

Materials & Methods: Seventy four practicing physi.zians throughout India collaborated in the recruitment of 145 hypertensive patients, over a period of eight months. These patients were administered fixed dose combination of 2.5mg S(-)Amlodipine and 12.5mg Hydrochlorothiazide (ESLO-D). They were observed for adverse events and changes in their blood pressure and heart rate over a period of four weeks.

Results: Significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate by a mean of 22.95 ± 11.77 mmHg, 12.57 ± 8.62 mmHg and 5.84 ± 6.69 beats/min respectively were observed after treatment with the fixed dose combination of S(-) Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (ESLO-D) for 4 weeks. The JNC VII recommended target blood pressure goal of < 140/90 mmHg was achieved in 80% of the patients while 67.74% of them achieved the target heart rate goal of < 83 beats/min at the end of 4 weeks. The combination also decreased systolic blood pressure by 18% among patients with isolated systolic hypertension. The therapy was found to be well tolerated by the study population.

Conclusion: These findings provide further evidence of the role of fixed dose combination therapy with S(-)Amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide (ESLO-D) in the management of hypertension, including isolated systolic hypertension.

Key words: Hypertension, S(-)Amlodipine, Hydrochlorothiazide, fixed dose combination, blood pressure