A combined perindopril/amlodipine pill for the treatment of hypertension

This study investigated the effectiveness of perindopril (Coversyl) and amlodipine (Norvasc) for the treatment of hypertension. The authors suggested that a fixed dose combination pill of perindopril/amlodipine effectively reduced blood pressure.

Managing hypertension (high blood pressure) is important to prevent developing serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Blood pressure (BP) can be managed using a number of strategies including medication. The majority of patients with hypertension require a combination of two medications to lower BP. However in many cases patients may forget to take both medications and this can lead to poor BP management. Some experts suggest that using combined pills (containing two different drugs) may improve patient treatment.

One of the most effective treatment strategies involves prescribing two types of drugs: a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi). These treatments work in different ways to lower blood pressure. Perindopril is a CCB and amlodipine is an ACEi, and in combination these medications are very effective at managing BP levels.

This study investigated the effectiveness of a single combined pill of perindopril/amlodipine on BP management.

This study included 1770 patients with essential hypertension (unknown cause). Patients were prescribed a combination pill containing 3.5 mg perindopril and 2.5 mg amlodipine. Blood pressure was measured at the beginning of the study and monthly until the end of the study (3.3 months). Patient adherence to medication was also assessed at the beginning and end of the study.

At the end of the study, BP and heart rate were significantly reduced as a result of perindopril/amlodipine treatment. Following 3 months of treatment, 69.1% of patients had controlled hypertension. Patient adherence to medication increased from 20.6% to 47.2% by the end of the study. Adverse effects included cough, dizziness and drug ineffectiveness and these were reported in 5% of patients. 

This study concluded that a fixed dose combination pill of perindopril/amlodipine effectively reduced blood pressure.

This study did not compare this medication to a reference or control medication. This means the effectiveness of perindopril/amlodipine could be overestimated. A placebo-controlled trial (with inactive drug control) is needed to confirm these results. 

If you have any questions about blood pressure management please consult with your doctor.