Optimal dosing characteristics of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist telmisartan

An optimal antihypertensive drug produces superior blood pressure-lowering effects at established dosages, with an acceptably low incidence of side ef fects, and at a dosage interval that is convenient for patients (ideally, o nce daily). The angiotensin II receptor antagonist, telmisartan, meets thes e criteria. At doses of greater than or equal to 40 mg, this once-daily dru g produces a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure. Ambulat ory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and high trough-peak ratios attest to the smooth, consistent blood pressure-lowering effect of telmisartan at 40- and 80-mg dosages. Telmisartan also demonstrates a statistically superior antihypertensive effect toward the end of the dosing interval compared with amlodipine and losartan, and it has a side-effect profile comparable to th at of placebo. In summary, the evidence suggests that telmisartan at dosage s of 40 and 80 mg once daily satisfies the 3 criteria of an ideal antihyper tensive agent, producing an effective and sustained response with placebo-l ike tolerability. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.