ABSTRACT

Introduction: The use of low dose combination antihypertensive agents is a good contemporary strategy for the treatment of patients with hypertension, a multifactorial disease.

Aim: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the fixed low dose combination of S(-)Amlodipine and Atenolol (ESLO-AT) in patients with hypertension, angina pectoris, or both.

Materials & Methods: 48 practicing physicians throughout India collaborated in the recruitment of 154 hypertensive patients, over a period of nine months. These patients were administered fixed low dose combination of 2.5mg S(-)Amlodipine and 50mg Atenolol (ESLO-AT). They were observed for changes in their blood pressure & heart rate over a period of 4 weeks.

Results: Significant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate by a mean of 32 mmHg (± 2.09 CI 95%), 18 mmHg (± 1.41 CI 95%) and 15 beats/min (± 1.56 CI 95%) respectively were observed after treatment with the fixed low dose combination of S(-)Amlodipine and atenolol (ESLO-AT) for 4 weeks. The JNC VII recommended target blood pressure goal of < 140/90 mmHg was achieved in 77.27% of the patients while 87.33% of them achieved the target heart rate goal of < 83 beats/min at the end of 4 weeks. The combination also reduced incidences of anginal attacks in patients with concomitant angina. The therapy was found to be well tolerated by the study population.

Conclusion: These findings provide further evidence of the role of fixed low dose combination therapy with S(-)Amlodipine and atenolol (ESLO-AT) in the management of hypertension.