Fixed-dose combination of lercanidipine/enalapril in the treatment of hypertension in the elderly

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.