Side effects of amlodipine/benazepril
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Side Effects of Amlodipine/Benazepril Combination Therapy
Introduction to Amlodipine/Benazepril Combination Therapy
Amlodipine and benazepril are commonly used together in a fixed-dose combination to treat hypertension. This combination leverages the calcium channel blocking properties of amlodipine and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting effects of benazepril to effectively lower blood pressure. However, like all medications, this combination therapy can have side effects.
Common Side Effects of Amlodipine/Benazepril
Edema
One of the most frequently reported side effects of amlodipine, particularly at higher doses, is edema. Studies have shown that the incidence of edema is significantly lower when amlodipine is combined with benazepril compared to amlodipine monotherapy. For instance, in a study comparing high-dose amlodipine monotherapy to amlodipine/benazepril combination therapy, 24% of patients on high-dose amlodipine monotherapy experienced edema, whereas the combination therapy group had a similar incidence of edema to the low-dose amlodipine group .
Adverse Effects Leading to Discontinuation
The combination of amlodipine and benazepril has been associated with a lower incidence of adverse effects leading to drug discontinuation compared to other antihypertensive therapies. A meta-analysis found that the overall incidence of adverse effects resulting in drug discontinuance was lowest for the amlodipine/benazepril combination compared to other monotherapies.
Other Reported Side Effects
Other side effects reported with the use of amlodipine/benazepril include cough, rash, and gastrointestinal disturbances. However, these side effects are generally infrequent and comparable to those observed with other antihypertensive medications. In a study involving a therapeutic interchange from high-dose calcium channel blockers to amlodipine/benazepril, only a small number of patients developed new dose-limiting side effects such as cough and rash.
Comparative Safety Profile
Blood Pressure Control and Side Effects
The combination therapy of amlodipine and benazepril not only provides superior blood pressure control but also maintains a favorable safety profile. Studies have consistently shown that this combination is more effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to monotherapy, with fewer side effects such as vasodilatory edema .
Long-Term Safety
Long-term studies have demonstrated that the combination of benazepril and amlodipine is well-tolerated over extended periods. For example, a study involving patients with hypertension and type II diabetes showed that the combination therapy was more effective in reducing urinary albumin excretion and increasing creatinine clearance over six months compared to benazepril alone, without significant adverse effects on glucose homeostasis or heart rate.
Conclusion
The combination of amlodipine and benazepril is an effective and generally well-tolerated treatment for hypertension. While edema is a common side effect of amlodipine, its incidence is significantly reduced when used in combination with benazepril. Overall, the combination therapy offers superior blood pressure control with a lower incidence of adverse effects leading to discontinuation compared to monotherapy, making it a valuable option for managing hypertension.
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