An evaluation of the efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil in Black patients with hypertension

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and the effects of Angiotensin II receptor blocker on renal function among African Americans: A post hoc analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial

We tested the hypothesis that vitamin D status may modify the effect of Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on renal function among African Americans. Sixty-four participants were included in this ancillary study from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial among normotensive African Americans to test the effect of ARB on stress response of blood pressure and renal sodium handling. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either ARB or placebo for one week, washed out for one week and then cross-overed to receive the other intervention for one week. On the final day of each intervention, the participant underwent a mental stress test. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was measured in this ancillary study. Sixty-four participants were included, aged 26.5 ± 10.2 years and 47% were female. Among the participants with the serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the low tertile, ARB treatment was associated with 2.58 mg/dL higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < .001) and was not associated with serum creatinine (SCr) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Ps > .05). Among the participants in the high 25(OH)D tertile, ARB was associated with 1.59 mg/dL lower BUN (P < .001), 0.08 mg/dL lower SCr (P = .001), and 8.59 mL/min/1.73 m² higher eGFR (P = .001). The interactions between vitamin D and ARB on renal function were more significant during stress and recovery than at rest. The effects of ARB treatment on renal function are modified by the vitamin D status among African Americans. ARB may improve renal function only among the ones with optimal vitamin D status.

Evaluation of the angiotensin II receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil in African‐American patients with hypertension

The efficacy and safety of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL‐M) were evaluated in African‐American patients with hypertension in a 6‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, for which the primary end point was change from baseline in 24‐hour mean systolic blood pressure (BP). There were 413 patients, with a mean age of 52 years, 57% women, and baseline 24‐hour BP of 146/91 mm Hg. Treatment differences in 24‐hour systolic BP between AZL‐M 40 mg and placebo (−5.0 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −8.0 to −2.0) and AZL‐M 80 mg and placebo (−7.8 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −10.7 to −4.9) were significant (P≤.001 vs placebo for both comparisons). Changes in the clinic BPs were similar to the ambulatory BP results. Incidence rates of adverse events were comparable among the treatment groups, including those of a serious nature. In African‐American patients with hypertension, AZL‐M significantly reduced ambulatory and clinic BPs in a dose‐dependent manner and was well tolerated.

Integrated control of hypertension by olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide and rationale for combination

Hypertension affects nearly one-third of all individuals in the US, yet one-half of all treated patients achieve blood pressure (BP) controlled to recommended goals. The percentage of patients with uncontrolled BP is likely to be much higher when considering the number of patients who are not even aware of their hypertensive state. Elevated BP is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events and end-organ damage. Antihypertensive monotherapy is not always sufficient to achieve BP goals, and thus more aggressive treatment regimens need to be considered. Antihypertensive combination therapy, which may improve tolerability, offers the benefit of targeting different mechanisms of action. Numerous outcomes studies support the use of a renin–angiotensin system inhibitor as a first-line choice in antihypertensive therapy. This review discusses the benefits of combination therapy with the angiotensin type II receptor blocker olmesartan medoxomil (OM) paired with the thiazide diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The pharmacokinetic properties of OM will be reviewed in addition to efficacy studies that support OM + HCTZ combination therapy over other possible antihypertensive combinations. Finally, a rationale for choosing HCTZ over another diuretic, chlorthalidone, will also be discussed based on pharmacokinetic differences, clinical concerns, and trends in use.