Triple drug combination of telmisartan, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of essential hypertension

Background: Triple drug therapy comprising angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), calcium channel blocker (CCB) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) effectively controls essential hypertension as evident from the literature. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of triple combination compared to the dual drug therapy. Methodologies: A total of 220 male and female patients with essential hypertension were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A received a bilayer tablet of FDC of Telmisartan + Amlodipine + HCT and group B received FDC tablet of Telmisartan + HCT. Both the treatments were administered once daily for twelve weeks. The patients were asked to follow-up on week 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 for periodic efficacy and safety evaluations. Effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and quality of life (QOL) were recorded during the course of the trial. Results: Blood pressure reduction (BP) to the desired goals was observed with both the treatments. The SBP and DBP reductions were superior in triple combination therapy than double combination. Both treatments improved QOL of patients. Conclusion: Triple drug combination of telmisartan, amlodipine and HCT may serve a potential role in achieving desired BP goals, in patients with essential hypertension, which are otherwise poorly managed by either monotherapy or dual drug therapy.