Fixed-dose combination of lercanidipine/enalapril in the treatment of hypertension in the elderly. (April 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chatzikyrkou, Christos; Haller, Hermann; Menne, Jan
• Is Part Of: Aging health. Volume 5:Number 2(2009)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 149
• Publication Date: 2009-04
• Subjects: ACE inhibitors -- calcium-channel blockers -- elderly -- enalapril -- fixed-dose combination -- hypertension -- lercanidipine -- pharmacodynamics -- pharmacokinetics; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.2217/ahe.09.4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-509X

Abstract

Inadequate control of blood pressure markedly increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with hypertension. Subsequently, official guidelines recommend blood pressure targets of 140/90 mmHg in every patient and even lower in high-risk groups. Nevertheless, more than 30% of hypertensive-treated patients do not reach these levels. Fixed-dose combinations of different agents are a valuable option in the management of hypertension. A combination of a calcium-channel antagonist and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor has a pharmacological rationale and is particularly beneficial. It is worth noting that the third generation dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker, lercanidipine, exhibits peculiar pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics and a good tolerability profile. Its coadministration with enalapril either as an add-on drug or as a fixed-dose combination therapy, has especially been proven to be efficacious in attaining blood pressure control.