Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose Lercanidipine-Enalapril for the treatment of hypertension

Hypertension is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the developed countries, and the benefits of antihypertensive drugs regarding cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are well established. Nevertheless, adequate control is achieved only in the minority of patients. All official guidelines recommend blood pressure targets of 140/90 mmHg in every patient and even lower in high-risk groups, and support the use of two of more drugs as initial therapy in specific populations. Multiple drugs acting by different, but complementary, mechanisms of action are increasingly implemented in the treatment of hypertension and fixed-dose combinations are gaining popularity. Simplifying therapy is particularly important for elderly patients, who are more likely to have co-morbid conditions and to be taking multiple medications. The once-daily administration of a fixed dose enalapril/lercanidipine effectively reduces blood pressure in patients inadequately controlled by either component, is generally well tolerated and exhibits a favourable metabolic profile.