In a nutshell
This study compared the safety and effectiveness of fimasartan (Kanarb) and perindopril (Coversyl Arginine) for the treatment of high blood pressure (BP) in older patients. It found that fimasartan was associated with better BP control compared to perindopril.
Some background
There are many different treatments available for high BP. Many studies are needed to determine which treatment is best for which group of patients. In older patients, the types of BP-lowering medications recommended are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as perindopril, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as losartan (Cozaar), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as amlodipine (Norvasc), and diuretic agents ("water pills") such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide).
Fimasartan is an ARB that has proven good effectiveness in lowering BP. However, it is not clear whether fimasartan is a safe and effective treatment for older patients.
Methods & findings
This study involved 241 patients with high BP. All patients were aged over 70. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 received fimasartan 30 mg. Group 2 received perindopril 2.5 mg. If BP was not controlled after 4 weeks, the dose was doubled.
After 8 weeks of treatment, BP pressure was reduced by an average of 14.2 mmHg in group 1 compared to an average of 9.0 mmHg reduction in group 2. Significantly more patients in group 1 responded to treatment by week 8 (56%) compared to group 2 (39.8%). Significantly more patients in group 1 had normal BP by week 8 (47%) compared to group 2 (34.4%).
The most common side effect was dizziness in both groups.
The bottom line
This study showed that fimasartan lowered BP more than perindopril in older patients with high BP.
The fine print
This study was funded by Boryung Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of fimasartan. This study was done in a Korean population. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of fimasartan in other ethnicities.
Published By :
Clinical therapeutics
Date :
Sep 07, 2021
