Current concepts in combination therapy for the treatment of hypertension: combined calcium channel blockers and RAAS inhibitors

Figures & data

Table 1 Advantages of combining antihypertensive agents

Combination of 2 agents at low doses gives greater blood pressure reductions than higher dose of 1 drug

Fewer adverse effects

Blockade of several pathways that increase blood pressure

Increased protection of target organs

Prompt blood pressure control

Effects beyond their antihypertensive actions

Table 2 Currently available fixed-dose combinations

ACE inhibitor and CCB	References
Ramipiril/felodipine
Benazepril/amlodipine	^Citation11,Citation25,Citation35
Delapril/manidipine	^Citation34
Trandolapril/verapamil	^Citation13,Citation14,Citation26,Citation28,Citation30
ARB and CCB
Valsartan/amlodipine	^Citation18

Abbreviations: ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; ARB, angiotensin receptor blocker; CCB, calcium channel blocker.

Table 3 Advantages of fixed-dose combination of antihypertensive agents

Simplification of treatment

Reduction of costs

Improvement of compliance

Those described in Table 1

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