Optimizing the treatment of hypertension and stable coronary artery disease: clinical evidence for fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine

Comparison of antihypertensive drugs amlodipine and perindopril on blood pressure variability after long-term treatment of hypertension induced by apatinib and bevacizumab

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the therapeutic effect of different antihypertensive drugs (amlodipine and perindopril) on hypertension induced by apatinib and bevacizumab. Sixty patients with hypertension treated with apatinib or bevacizumab were selected and divided into two groups: one group was treated with amlodipine and the other group was treated with perindopril. Before and after treatment, the dynamic blood pressure (BP) measurement (systolic BP [SBP] and diastolic BP [DBP]), echocardiography (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, interventricular septal thickness [IVST], left ventricular posterior wall thickness [LVPWT], and left atrial diameter [LAD]), and detection of nitric oxide (NO) content in venous blood were performed. In the amlodipine group, the 24hSBP, 24hSSD, 24hSCV, daytime mean SBP (dSBP), daytime mean SSD (dSSD), daytime mean SBP CV, night mean SBP (nSBP), night mean SSD, 24hDBP, 24hDSD, 24 h DBP CV, daytime mean DBP (dDBP), daytime mean DSD (dDSD), daytime mean DBP CV, night mean DBP (nDBP), LAD, and LAD index (LADi) after treatment were all lower than before treatment, while NO was higher than before treatment (all P < 0.05). In the perindopril group, the 24hSBP, dSBP, nSBP, 24hDBP, dDBP, nDBP, LAD, LADi, IVST, LVPWT, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) after treatment were lower than before treatment, and NO level after treatment was higher than before treatment (all P < 0.05). After treatment, the 24hSBP, 24hSSD, dSBP, dSSD, nSBP, 24hDBP, 24hDSD, dDBP, dDSD, nDBP, night mean DSD, and NO were all lower while the LAD, LADi, IVST, LVPWT, and LVMI were higher in the amlodipine group than those in the perindopril group (all P < 0.05). Our study suggests that the SBP and DBP variability of amlodipine in the treatment of hypertension induced by apatinib and bevacizumab is slightly better than that of perindopril, but the effect of perindopril in improving endothelial function indices NO and echocardiographic data is better than that of amlodipine.

Development of new stability indicating UPLC-UV method for the extraction and quantification of perindopril and indapamide from human plasma

Background

The hypertension and cardiovascular ailments are the leading cause of deaths worldwide. The combination therapy was found to be effective on the cardiovascular illness by reducing the blood pressure. The indapamide and perindopril combination therapy showed excellent results on reducing high blood pressure. With this in mind, the stability indicating reverse phase UPLC method was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of indapamide and perindopril from human plasma. In this work, we developed a new solid phase extraction method for the extraction of indapamide and perindopril in human plasma. It is a simple, accurate, and selective method for the extraction of these two drugs from human plasma with elution time of 2 min. The extracted drugs were identified and quantified by using stability indicating UPLC method. The method showed high recovery rate as well as low detection and quantification limits of two drugs.

Results

A novel, simple, highly accurate, and precise stability indicating ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed for the identification and quantification of perindopril (PP) (brand name Coversyl) and indapamide (IP) (brand name Lorvas) from human plasma. In this UPLC method, HSS C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) and mobile phase acetonitrile (ACN), 10 mM KH2PO4 buffer solution (pH 3.0) mixture was used in the ratio of 65:35. Colum temperature of 30 °C, flow rate of 1.0 mL per minute and UV wave length of 254 nm were used. PP and IP were eluted below 2 min runtime with high resolution. Solid phase extraction (SPE) method was used for the extraction of PP and IP from human plasma. Different solvents were used to extract the analyte from SPE such as ACN, methanol, acetone, tertiary butyl diethyl ether (TBDE), chloroform (CHCl3), and ethanol (EtOH). Among these, ACN gave good recovery percentages (94.56 to 101.58%). From the linearity graph, good correlation coefficient values of 0.9996 for PP and 0.9997 for IP were achieved. The coefficient variance values for intra and inter day precision is in between 1.08 and 12.5%. The LOD and LOQ values were determined by the signal to noise ratio method. LOD and LOQ values for IP and PP were found to be 8.6 and 33.5 ng/mL and 28.33 and 110.5 ng/mL respectively. The developed method was statistically validated as per ICH guidelines.

Conclusion

In summary, a novel stability indicating UPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the simultaneous identification and quantification of perindopril and indapamide drugs in human plasma and tested the stability as per ICH guidelines. It is a simple, accurate, and specific method for the extraction of these two drugs from human plasma and eluted within 2 min runtime. The method showed high recovery rate as well as low detection and quantification limits of two drugs. The developed method is suitable for routine analysis as well as in bioanalytical and clinical studies.

Graphical abstract

Adherence to Treatment, Safety, Tolerance, and Effectiveness of Perindopril/Amlodipine Fixed-Dose Combination in Greek Patients with Hypertension and Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Pan-Hellenic Prospective Observational Study of Daily Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND

Initiation of antihypertensive therapy with a two-drug fixed-dose combination (FDC) in a single tablet may be recommended in patients at high risk of cardiovascular events to improve adherence and effectiveness. Preferred combinations include an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor with a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed adherence to and the safety, tolerance, and effectiveness of the perindopril/amlodipine FDC in Greek patients with hypertension and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) over a 4-month period.

METHODS

A total of 1907 patients with hypertension and CAD (59.1% males) who had recently (≤2 weeks) commenced treatment with the perindopril/amlodipine FDC (5/5, 5/10, 10/5, or 10/10 mg) were studied at baseline and at 1 and 4 months. Adherence to treatment was assessed with the Morisky Medication-taking Adherence Scale (MMAS).

RESULTS

Seven patients (0.4%) did not attend the scheduled visits. In total, 1607 (84.6%) patients received a constant treatment dose throughout the study. High adherence (MMAS score = 0) was reported by 1592 (83.6%), 1628 (85.7%), and 1477 (77.7%) patients at the second and the third visit and at both visits, respectively. Adverse reactions were reported by only 13 (0.7%) patients, were all minor, and did not result in treatment discontinuation. Office blood pressure (BP) was significantly decreased at the third visit (130.8 ± 8.4/78.2 ± 6.4 mmHg) compared with baseline (156.5 ± 15.0/89.9 ± 9.6 mmHg; p < 0.001), regardless of previous antihypertensive treatment. Patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 hypertension at baseline showed a reduction in BP of 19.3/9.4, 31.5/13.5, and 47.8/22.2 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001). Uncontrolled hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) was notably reduced from 90.3% at baseline to 18.5% at the third visit.

CONCLUSIONS

The perindopril/amlodipine FDC is characterized by high adherence and effectiveness, regardless of previous treatment. Degree of BP reduction was related to baseline BP levels. Clinical trials registration number (Protocol Number): IC4 - 05985 - 011 - GRC.

Triple Combination Therapy for Global Cardiovascular Risk: Atorvastatin, Perindopril, and Amlodipine

Statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have markedly changed the clinical progression of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The goal of this paper is to review the rationale and evidence for combining these three drug classes in hypertensive patients with hypercholesterolemia or CAD. Data sources include a literature search for publications on the use of a statin combined with various antihypertensive drugs in patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia or stable CAD. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension constitute major physiological risk factors of ischemic heart disease. Current guidelines recommend a global approach to risk management, using agents that address as many risk factors as possible. Dual combination therapies are an important component of guideline-recommended therapy in hypertension. Our review of the literature indicates that triple therapy with a statin, ACE inhibitor, and CCB is associated with a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events. For example, a post hoc analysis in 1056 patients with stable CAD participating in the EUROPA trial indicated that the addition of perindopril to a CCB and a lipid-lowering agent was associated with a 46 % reduction in the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and resuscitated cardiac arrest (p = 0.023). In addition, single pill formulations are known to result in better adherence to the treatment. Single-pill formulations that combine a statin, an ACE inhibitor, and a CCB appear to offer an effective approach to the management of global cardiovascular risk.

Combination therapy in the extended cardiovascular continuum: a focus on perindopril and amlodipine

The progression of cardiovascular disease could be regarded as following atherosclerosis-related and age-related pathways. The starting points for these pathways are different--risk factors or aortic ageing--but they conclude in the same way: end-stage heart disease. Together these interlinked pathways form the extended cardiovascular continuum. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have been shown to interrupt or slow the progression of cardiovascular disease along one pathway, the cardiovascular atherosclerotic continuum. Cardiovascular protection with RAAS inhibitors varies; different RAAS inhibitors offer different levels of protection. Similarly, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) also have clearly shown protective effect of cardiovascular system, especially as it regards cerebrovascular disease risk. The AngloScandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) showed that a combination of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril and CCB amlodipine offered better cardiovascular protection in at-risk hypertensive patients than beta-blocker and thiazide. By attenuating the deleterious effects of cardiovascular disease at multiple stages of the extended cardiovascular continuum on top of lowering blood pressure (BP), perindopril and amlodipine could interrupt and slow the progression of cardiovascular disease. These antihypertensive agents have complementary vascular effects that enhance cardiovascular protection and reduce side-effects. Evidence from ASCOT shows that antihypertensive and vascular effects of amlodipine with and without perindopril have translated into real-life clinical benefits. A strategy using ACE inhibitors and CCBs, such as perindopril and amlodipine, to target multiple stages in both pathways of cardiovascular disease could effectively reduce cardiovascular risk and lower BP.

Optimization of blood pressure treatment with fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine in patients with arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Fixed-dose combination treatments using an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as perindopril, plus a calcium channel blocker (CCB), such as amlodipine, have been endorsed by guidelines because they improve blood pressure control and cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients, while being well tolerated and well adhered to by patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the blood pressure-lowering effects of fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine in patients previously treated with an ACE inhibitor and/or a CCB.

METHODS

This was a prospective, real-life, open-label, longitudinal, phase IV study conducted in 223 outpatient medical centres across Slovakia. 2132 previously treated patients whose hypertension was insufficiently controlled at baseline or who tolerated treatment poorly were included. Patients were treated for 3 months with fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine 5 mg/5 mg, 5 mg/10 mg, 10 mg/5 mg and 10 mg/10 mg. The main outcome measure was a reduction in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and achievement of blood pressure targets (SBP/DBP <140/90 mmHg or <130/80 mmHg for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or high cardiovascular risk).

RESULTS

After 3 months of treatment, mean ± SD SBP/DBP had decreased from 158.5 ± 17.5/93.6 ± 9.8 mmHg to 132.9 ± 10.6/80.7 ± 6.2 mmHg (p < 0.0001). In patients with grade 3 hypertension, mean ± SD changes from baseline in SBP/DBP were -45.4 ± 16.4/-20.0 ± 11.5 mmHg after 3 months (p < 0.0001). Blood pressure targets were reached by 74% of the overall patient population, 84% of patients with grade 1 hypertension, and 52% of difficult-to-treat patients with grade 3 hypertension. This treatment was associated with a 58% reduction in the number of patients with amlodipine-related ankle oedema compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION

Fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine was well tolerated and resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreases in blood pressure.

Optimization of blood pressure treatment with fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine in patients with arterial hypertension

BACKGROUND

Fixed-dose combination treatments using an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as perindopril, plus a calcium channel blocker (CCB), such as amlodipine, have been endorsed by guidelines because they improve blood pressure control and cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients, while being well tolerated and well adhered to by patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the blood pressure-lowering effects of fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine in patients previously treated with an ACE inhibitor and/or a CCB.

METHODS

This was a prospective, real-life, open-label, longitudinal, phase IV study conducted in 223 outpatient medical centres across Slovakia. 2132 previously treated patients whose hypertension was insufficiently controlled at baseline or who tolerated treatment poorly were included. Patients were treated for 3 months with fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine 5 mg/5 mg, 5 mg/10 mg, 10 mg/5 mg and 10 mg/10 mg. The main outcome measure was a reduction in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and achievement of blood pressure targets (SBP/DBP <140/90 mmHg or <130/80 mmHg for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or high cardiovascular risk).

RESULTS

After 3 months of treatment, mean ± SD SBP/DBP had decreased from 158.5 ± 17.5/93.6 ± 9.8 mmHg to 132.9 ± 10.6/80.7 ± 6.2 mmHg (p < 0.0001). In patients with grade 3 hypertension, mean ± SD changes from baseline in SBP/DBP were -45.4 ± 16.4/-20.0 ± 11.5 mmHg after 3 months (p < 0.0001). Blood pressure targets were reached by 74% of the overall patient population, 84% of patients with grade 1 hypertension, and 52% of difficult-to-treat patients with grade 3 hypertension. This treatment was associated with a 58% reduction in the number of patients with amlodipine-related ankle oedema compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION

Fixed-combination perindopril/amlodipine was well tolerated and resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreases in blood pressure.

Combinations of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system with calcium channel blockers for the treatment of hypertension: focus on perindopril/amlodipine

BACKGROUND

Combination antihypertensive therapy with an inhibitor of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and a calcium channel blocker (CCB) is a rational approach to achieve blood pressure (BP) goals in patients with hypertension, and may provide additional cardiovascular protection compared to other strategies in special populations. This article reviews the rationale for, and evidence supporting, the use of newer fixed-dose combinations of RAS inhibitors and CCBs, with particular emphasis on perindopril/amlodipine.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in Medline and EMBASE databases to identify articles published up to May 2010 describing the impact of combination treatment with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/CCB or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor/CCB based antihypertensive strategies on BP or clinical outcomes.

FINDINGS

A substantial body of evidence supports the BP-lowering efficacy of RAS inhibitor/CCB combination therapy in patients with hypertension. RAS inhibitors and CCBs represent two different and complementary mechanisms of actions; their use in combination is associated with effective BP lowering with favourable tolerability and fewer adverse metabolic effects than some other combination therapies. Currently, intervention studies demonstrating the impact of ARB/CCB combinations on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity are lacking. However, evidence from large outcome trials supports the use of ACE inhibitor/CCB combinations for reducing the risk of cardiovascular and renal events, particularly in high-risk patients. There is also evidence that the benefits of ACE inhibitor/CCB combinations may extend beyond those solely associated with brachial BP lowering, by an additional impact on central BP haemodynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

RAS inhibitor/CCB combination therapy is an effective antihypertensive therapy. Strong evidence supports the antihypertensive efficacy of ACE inhibitor/CCB combinations with cardioprotective and renoprotective properties. In particular, evidence suggests that fixed-dose perindopril/amlodipine effectively decreases BP and currently is the only RAS inhibitor/CCB combination proven to decrease all-cause and cardiovascular mortality as well as major cardiovascular events, and thus is a valuable option for the management of hypertension, especially in high-risk patients.

Clinical synergy of perindopril and calcium-channel blocker in the prevention of cardiac events and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Post hoc analysis of the EUROPA study

BACKGROUND

The purposes of the study were to determine the effects of addition of perindopril to long-term continuous treatment with calcium-channel blocker (CCB) on cardiac outcomes in the stable coronary artery disease (CAD) population of EUROPA and to explore the presence of synergy between perindopril and CCB in secondary prevention.

METHODS

We identified participants receiving CCB at every visit during the 4.2-year follow-up and analyzed the effect of addition of perindopril (n = 1,022 perindopril/CCB vs n = 1,100 placebo/CCB).

RESULTS

Addition of perindopril to CCB significantly reduced total mortality by 46% (P < .01 vs placebo) and primary end point (a composite of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and resuscitated cardiac arrest) by 35% (P < .05 vs placebo). There were 41%, 54%, and 28% reductions in cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, and myocardial infarction, respectively. Comparison of hazard ratios suggests the presence of a clinical synergy between perindopril and CCB, with a greater effect than addition of individual effects.

CONCLUSION

Addition of perindopril to CCB in stable CAD patients had a significant supplementary impact on cardiac outcomes and mortality.

[Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium antagonists: a synergistic action for a better prevention of cardiovascular events]

Treatment of hypertension increasingly requires association of drugs. Among them, the association of calcium antagonists with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors is a new tempting approach since the two pharmaceutical classes have synergistic effects on blood pressure lowering and target organ protection whereas their effect is antagonistic for adverse events. Numerous large randomized clinical trials have validated this treatment strategy, and new fixed association are being developed. They apply to hypertensive patients, but also to coronary artery disease patients and more generally speaking to high cardiovascular risk subjects.