Amlodipine/valsartan 5/160 mg versus valsartan 160 mg in Chinese hypertensives

BackgroundA majority of hypertensives require treatment with ≥ 2 antihypertensive therapies to achieve blood pressure (BP) goals. Single-pill combinations (SPC) may improve convenience and adherence to therapy and reduce health care resource use and costs. The antihypertensive effects of amlodipine and valsartan are well established. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of amlodipine/valsartan 5/160 mg SPC for the treatment of hypertension in predominantly Chinese patients not adequately controlled on valsartan 160 mg alone.MethodsIn this multicentre study (24 centres), adults with stage 1 or 2 hypertension not adequately controlled with valsartan monotherapy were randomised to receive double-blind amlodipine/valsartan 5/160 mg SPC or valsartan 160 mg once daily for 8 weeks.ResultsThe least-square mean change (standard error) from baseline to endpoint in mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (MSDBP) at trough, the primary efficacy variable, was - 10.3 (0.39) mm Hg with amlodipine/valsartan and - 6.6 (0.40) mm Hg with valsartan (difference: - 3.7 [0.54] mm Hg, p < 0.0001). The corresponding results for mean sitting systolic blood pressure (MSSBP) were - 14.9 (0.61) mm Hg and - 7.0 (0.61) mm Hg, respectively (difference: - 7.9 [0.84] mm Hg, p < 0.0001). A significantly greater proportion of patients achieved overall BP control (MSSBP/MSDBP < 140/90 mm Hg) with combination therapy (61.3%) versus monotherapy (39.3%; p < 0.0001). Both treatments were well tolerated.ConclusionAmlodipine/valsartan 5/160 mg SPC is a safe and effective therapy for lowering BP in predominantly Chinese adults with stage 1 or 2 hypertension not adequately controlled with valsartan 160 mg monotherapy.