EFFICACY OF MONOTHERAPY VERSUS COMBINATION THERAPY IN MODERATE HYPERTENSION

Abstract

This prospective study was conducted to ascertain the difference in efficacy of a long term ACE inhibitor, Ramipril, used alone and in combination with a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, amlodipine, in moderate hypertension. The patients were free from long term complications of hypertension. This study included 60 patients aged 25-62 years (42males , 18 females ) with essential hypertension, stage II i.e. systolic B.P ³160 mmHg and diastolic B.P³100mmHg (JNCVI ). Two groups of patients were formed, group A included patients treated with Ramipril alone and group B included patients treated with combination of Ramipril and amlodipine over a period of six weeks. The study showed a prominent decline in blood pressure of patients in both groups, however target blood pressure was achieved and sustained more effectively in group B . It is concluded that in order to obtain a more stable drop in blood pressure, combination therapy is more beneficial both in efficacy and cost effectiveness than monotherapy.