The single pill triple combination of aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of hypertension.

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and uncontrolled hypertension remains common despite the availability of several classes of effective antihypertensive medications. Combination therapy with antihypertensive agents of complementary actions has been advocated in the management of hypertension to maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the current data on the triple combination therapy of aliskiren with amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide, and discusses the clinical use of single pill triple combination of aliskiren, amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of hypertension and associated cardiovascular conditions.

EXPERT OPINION

Combination therapy with antihypertensive agents of complementary actions is more effective than monotherapy in the management of hypertension. Combining an agent in renin-angiotensin blockade with a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) and a thiazide diuretic has plausibility in maximizing blood pressure reduction and minimizing side effects. The combination of aliskiren with amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide has shown effective blood pressure lowering and noteworthy tolerability. The single pill triple combination of aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide offers five different formulations of escalating dosages of the three agents, allowing dosing flexibility. The decreased pill burden and simplified treatment options with the single pill triple combination provide an opportunity to improve blood pressure control through improved adherence and reduced treatment inertia.