Comparative effectiveness of an angiotensin receptor blocker, olmesartan medoxomil, in older hypertensive patients

The efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil ( OM ) vs active control ( AC ) monotherapy among elderly patients aged 60‐79 years (N = 4487) was evaluated by meta‐analysis (25 studies). In all patients, change from baseline to end point in blood pressure ( BP ) was significantly greater with OM vs AC (−19.5/−11.9 vs −16.8/−10.7 mm Hg). Greater proportions of OM ‐ vs AC ‐treated patients achieved BP goals. In patients with impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL /min/1.73 m 2 ), OM treatment resulted in a greater mean change from baseline in systolic BP vs AC (−21.2 vs −18.7 mm Hg, respectively) and a greater proportion of patients achieving BP goals. These parameters were similar in both groups for elderly patients with diabetes. OM was well tolerated with few adverse events. OM monotherapy can be used as an initial treatment for hypertension in elderly patients, including those with renal impairment or diabetes.