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Combination drug approved

Successful clinical trials of combination drugs have resulted in approval from the US FDA (Food and Drugs Administration). The combination drugs are recommended for hypertensive patients that require multiple drugs to control their blood pressure.

The new drug

The new drug that has been approved is:

• Avalide - a fixed-dose combination of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) Avapro and a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). It is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

The trial

A recent trial of the combination drug contributed to the FDA providing approval.

Patients with severe hypertension had their blood pressure monitored over a 7 week period. Patients with blood pressure levels of on average 172/113 mm Hg were randomly treated with either Avalide combination drug or irbesartan.

After just 5 weeks patients taking Avalide reduced blood pressure levels on average by 30.8/24.0 mm Hg. This was compared to a reduction of 21.1/19.3 mm Hg for patients taking just irbesartan.

Study conclusion

Dr Neutel, Professor of Medicine, University of California in Irvine said, "Guidelines support initial combination therapy for severe hypertension based on the need to lower BP within weeks rather than months."

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