Abstract
The combination of telmisartan, an AT1-blocker, and amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is a novel and promising fixed combination for the therapy of arterial hypertension. As a result of the differing mechanisms of action of both substances this combination exhibits a marked additive antihypertensive action that is further augmented by the long half-lives of both amlodipine and telmisartan.
The use of the fixed combination telmisartan/ amlodipine in one daily dose results in marked reduction of blood pressure in both young and older individuals, in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, or isolated systolic hypertension. The action of telmisartan reduces the risk of amlodipine-induced formation of peripheral oedema.
An important aspect is that both telmisartan and amlodipine have sufficient body of evidence from extensive randomized trials supporting positive effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.