Diuretics Still Best Treatment for High Blood Pressure Nov 20, 2009
The thiazide-type diuretic chlorthalidone outshone three other treatments -- a calcium channel blocker, an ACE inhibitor and an alpha-receptor blocker -- in most areas, especially in lowering the incidence of stroke and heart failure, according to the most current data from a large ongoing study known as ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) ... The participants were randomly assigned to take one of the following anti-hypertensive drugs:... (MEDLINEplus)
Micardis Given Wider Approval Oct 21, 2009
The FDA also granted new approval for a drug called Twynsta, which combines the active ingredient in Micardis with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine. The combination drug is meant to prevent high blood pressure when used alone, or in tandem with other anti-hypertension drugs, Boehringer said in a news release. (MEDLINEplus)
'Is This Drug Better, or Just New?' Aug 16, 2009
Using the example of a hypothetical new calcium channel blocker, they said a statement on the updated labeling might read: "Although this drug has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than placebo, it has not been shown to be more effective than other members of the same drug class.". 1. (ABC News)
Why Females Do Not Fare As Well As Men In Undergoing Angioplasty For Heart Attacks May 12, 2009
17, 2006) Researchers in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University have found that nicardipine, a commonly available calcium channel blocker, is effective in reversing the. . (Science Daily)
Blood Pressure Pill Combo More Effective Than Diuretics Feb 7, 2009
The patients took either a tablet containing benazepril (an ACE inhibitor) and amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) or a tablet that contained benazepril and hydrochloro-thiazide, a type of diuretic (water pill). Both combination pills helped reduce blood pressure in more than 75 percent of patients, but those taking the first pill had 20 percent fewer cardiovascular events than those taking the other combination pill with the diuretic. (MEDLINEplus)
