Comparison of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of telmisartan with losartan in Indian patients with mild to moderate hypertension: a pilot study

• Published in: Journal of the Indian Medical Association Vol. 101; no. 5; p. 327
• Main Authors: Samra, S S, Dongre, Neelesh, Ballary, Chetna, Desai, Anish
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India 01-05-2003
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors - adverse effects; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Antihypertensive Agents - adverse effects; Antihypertensive Agents - therapeutic use; Benzimidazoles - adverse effects; Benzimidazoles - therapeutic use; Benzoates - adverse effects; Benzoates - therapeutic use; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Hypertension - drug therapy; India; Losartan - adverse effects; Losartan - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; India
• ISSN: 0019-5847

A prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel group study was carried out to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of telmisartan 40 mg once daily with losartan 50 mg once daily in Indian patients with mild to moderate hypertension. It had a placebo run-in period of 2 weeks followed by drug treatment (telmisartan 40 mg, once daily or losartan 50 mg once daily) for 8 weeks. Supine BP was assessed at the end of every 2 weeks. Tolerability and safety was assessed by physical examination, laboratory parameters and evaluation of adverse events. Treatment with telmisartan resulted in a significant reduction of SBP of 10.3% and 13.7% as compared to 6.6% and 10.6% in losartan group at the end of 6th and 8th weeks respectively. At the end of 6th and 8th weeks, the reduction was 14.3% and 18.1% among telmisartan which was significantly more as compared to 8.8% and 14.3% in losartan group respectively. The laboratory values were within normal limits. Both drugs were well tolerated. Telmisartan monotherapy in a dose of 40 mg once daily has a clinically better therapeutic effect as compared to losartan 50 mg and a good tolerability profile in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.