Efficacy of fixed-dose combination tablets with candesartan 8 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 6.25 mg and candesartan 8 mg/amlodipine 5 mg in Japanese patients with hypertension

Aims: To examine efficacy of fixed-dose combination tablets with candesartan 8 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 6.25 mg (ARB/DU) and candesartan 8 mg/amlodipine 5 mg (ARB/CCB) in Japanese patients with hypertension. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 201 Japanese patients with hypertension who were treated with ARB/DU (n = 92) or ARB/CCB (n = 102) for 1 year. We examined change in blood pressure control as well as other clinical parameters. Correlations between change in blood pressure and clinical parameters were also determined. Results: After switching ARB/DU or ARB/CCB, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly decreased in the both groups (Δ SBP: 8.1 and 8.5 mmHg and Δ DBP: 3.7 and 4.3 mmHg, respectively, all p < 0.01). Number of antihypertensives was significantly decreased after switching (3.0 ± 1.9 → 2.3 ± 1.4 tablets, p = 0.01 and 2.5 ± 1.6 → 1.3 ± 0.7 tablets, p < 0.01, respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between change in blood pressure after switching and blood pressure at baseline (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In clinical settings, use of fixed-dose combination tablets of ARB/DU and ARB/CCB significantly improved blood pressure control in Japanese patients with hypertension. Especially, switching to fixed-dose combination tablet should be considered in patients with poor blood pressure control.