How Do Other Antihypertensive Combos Work?

Antihypertensive combos are combinations of medications used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Other antihypertensive combos typically contain a fixed-dose combination of two types of hypertensive medications, each of which works in a different way to control hypertension. Other antihypertensive combos include the following:

Azilsartan/chlorthalidone: Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (AEB) that reduces blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin II. Angiotensin is a hormone that acts on receptors on the heart, kidney, and blood vessels, causing constriction of blood vessels and retention of water and sodium, and hence, increase in blood pressure.

Chlorthalidone is a diuretic, also known as a water pill, which increases urine production by the kidneys. This results in increased elimination of water and sodium, which lowers the blood volume and, as a result, blood pressure.

Benazepril/amlodipine: Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) that lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of ACE, the enzyme that converts inactive angiotensin I into its active form angiotensin II which can stimulate the angiotensin receptors.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that inhibits the influx of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. Calcium causes constriction of the smooth muscles and a drop in calcium inflow leads to relaxation of cardiovascular muscles and dilation of blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood pressure.

Trandolapril/verapamil: Trandolapril/verapamil is also a combination of ACEI/CCB and works similar to benazepril/amlodipine combination. Trandolapril/verapamil combination contains an immediate-release formulation of trandolapril, an ACEI, and a slow-release formulation of verapamil, a CCB.

Other antihypertensive combos are administered in the form of oral tablets or capsules. Other antihypertensive combos are used to treat hypertension in adult patients not adequately controlled with monotherapy, or as initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to help achieve blood pressure goals.

Side effects of other antihypertensive combos vary with each combo. A few of the most common side effects may include:

• Azilsartan/chlorthalidone:
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Nausea
  • Rash and pruritus (itching)
  • Angioedema (swelling of tissue under the skin and mucous membranes)
• Benazepril/amlodipine:
  • Peripheral edema
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Headache and fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain and dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Palpitations
  • Acute renal failure in case of renal artery stenosis (narrowing)
• Trandolapril/verapamil:
  • Headache
  • Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of the gum tissue)
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Hypotension
  • Increase in uric acid
  • Cough

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of some of the other antihypertensive combos include:

• azilsartan/chlorthalidone
• benazepril/amlodipine
• Edarbyclor
• Lotrel
• Tarka
• trandolapril/verapamil