Amlodipine/atorvastatin single pill for the management of hypertensive patients with additional cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium have been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials to be highly effective in lowering blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, respectively, and in reducing cardiovascular events. A novel single-pill therapy containing amlodipine and atorvastatin is currently available in the USA and has been approved for use in parts of Europe, Asia and Latin America. This medication retains the proven clinical safety and efficacy of amlodipine and atorvastatin when administered separately. However, it reduces the pill burden associated with coadministration of an antihypertensive agent and a statin for hypertensive patients with additional cardiovascular risk factors. This single-pill therapy may increase patient adherence to these medications and thus improve the simultaneous management of two important cardiovascular risk factors. This strategy may also improve clinical outcomes. An overview of the rationale for the development and use of amlodipine/atorvastatin single-pill therapy in hypertensive patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and the latest data from clinical trials are presented in this article.