Matching articles for "ACE inhibitors"

Aprocitentan (Tryvio) for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 10, 2024;  (Issue 1704)
The FDA has approved the dual endothelin receptor antagonist aprocitentan (Tryvio – Idorsia) for use in combination with other antihypertensive drugs to treat hypertension in adults whose blood pressure...
The FDA has approved the dual endothelin receptor antagonist aprocitentan (Tryvio – Idorsia) for use in combination with other antihypertensive drugs to treat hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on other drugs. Three other dual endothelin receptor antagonists, ambrisentan (Volibris, and generics), bosentan (Tracleer, and generics), and macitentan (Opsumit), are available in the US for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Jun 10;66(1704):92-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 27, 2024;  (Issue 1703)
American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for treatment of hypertension were last published in 2018. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed...
American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for treatment of hypertension were last published in 2018. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed here.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 May 27;66(1703):81-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Finerenone (Kerendia) for Diabetic Kidney Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 23, 2023;  (Issue 1668)
Recently published guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Diabetes Work Group recommend addition of the oral...
Recently published guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Diabetes Work Group recommend addition of the oral nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) finerenone (Kerendia) to standard treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jan 23;65(1668):15-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Delayed-Release Budesonide (Tarpeyo) for Primary Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 16, 2022;  (Issue 1650)
The FDA has approved Tarpeyo (Calliditas), a delayed-release capsule formulation of the corticosteroid budesonide, to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN;...
The FDA has approved Tarpeyo (Calliditas), a delayed-release capsule formulation of the corticosteroid budesonide, to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN; also called Berger's disease) who are at risk of rapid disease progression. It is the fi rst drug to be approved in the US for this indication. Oral formulations of budesonide have been available for years for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 May 16;64(1650):76-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Apoaequorin (Prevagen) to Improve Memory

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2021;  (Issue 1636)
A synthetic form of the protein apoaequorin is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter dietary supplement Prevagen (Quincy Bioscience), which is heavily marketed to improve...
A synthetic form of the protein apoaequorin is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter dietary supplement Prevagen (Quincy Bioscience), which is heavily marketed to improve memory.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Nov 1;63(1636):175-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Finerenone (Kerendia) for Chronic Kidney Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 23, 2021;  (Issue 1631)
Finerenone (Kerendia – Bayer), an oral nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage renal...
Finerenone (Kerendia – Bayer), an oral nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), has been approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage renal disease, nonfatal MI, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes. It is the first nonsteroidal MRA to be approved in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Aug 23;63(1631):131-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 14, 2021;  (Issue 1626)
Among patients with chronic heart failure, those with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF...
Among patients with chronic heart failure, those with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF ≥50% are considered to have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Those with a LVEF of 41-49% are an intermediate group more similar to patients with HFpEF.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Jun 14;63(1626):89-96 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Vericiguat (Verquvo) for Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 2021;  (Issue 1619)
The FDA has approved vericiguat (Verquvo – Merck), an oral soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular (CV) death following a...
The FDA has approved vericiguat (Verquvo – Merck), an oral soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator, to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular (CV) death following a worsening heart failure event (hospitalization for heart failure or treatment with IV diuretics as an outpatient) in patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45%. Vericiguat is the second sGC stimulator to be marketed in the US. Riociguat (Adempas), which is FDA-approved for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, was the first.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Mar 8;63(1619):36-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 2021;  (Issue 1619)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Mar 8;63(1619):e1-14 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 18, 2020;  (Issue 1598)
Drugs available for treatment of chronic hypertension and their dosages, adverse effects, and costs are listed in the tables. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed...
Drugs available for treatment of chronic hypertension and their dosages, adverse effects, and costs are listed in the tables. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed here.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 May 18;62(1598):73-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Some Drugs for COVID-19

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 6, 2020;  (Issue 1595)
The severity and rapid spread of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) have raised questions about the use of some drugs in patients with the disease and whether currently available drugs could be effective in...
The severity and rapid spread of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) have raised questions about the use of some drugs in patients with the disease and whether currently available drugs could be effective in treating it. Definitive answers are lacking, but some recommendations can be made. For additional information on specific drugs, see our table Some Drugs Being Considered for Treatment of COVID-19.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Apr 6;62(1595):49-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Table: Treatments Considered for COVID-19 (Archived) (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 6, 2020;  (Issue 1595)
...
View the Table: Treatments Considered for COVID-19
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Apr 6;62(1595):e1-289 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Some Drugs for COVID-19

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 6, 2020;  (Issue 1919)
The severity and rapid spread of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) have raised questions about the use of some drugs in patients with the disease and whether currently available drugs could be effective in...
The severity and rapid spread of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) have raised questions about the use of some drugs in patients with the disease and whether currently available drugs could be effective in treating it. Definitive answers are lacking, but some recommendations can be made. For additional information on specific drugs, see our table Some Drugs Being Considered for Treatment of COVID-19.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Apr 6;62(1919):1 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Correction: Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2019;  (Issue 1575)
In our Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure article,1 our description of the PARADIGM-HF trial comparing the combination of the ARB valsartan and the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril (Entresto) with the ACE inhibitor...
In our Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure article,1 our description of the PARADIGM-HF trial comparing the combination of the ARB valsartan and the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril (Entresto) with the ACE inhibitor enalapril for treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) characterized the dosage of enalapril as "suboptimal". Some readers have objected to that characterization.

The FDA-approved dosage of enalapril for treatment of HFrEF is 2.5-20 mg twice daily. In PARADIGM-HF, the dosage was capped at 10 mg twice daily, a widely used dosage that has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with HFrEF.2 In the trial, the rate of death from cardiovascular causes or hospitalization for heart failure was significantly lower with the combination of valsartan and sacubitril than with enalapril 10 mg twice daily (21.8% vs 26.5%). Whether allowing titration to 20 mg twice daily would have changed that result is a reasonable question, but there is no direct evidence that the higher dosage is more effective for this indication.3 We have removed the word "suboptimal" from the article as it appears online.

  1. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2019; 61:49.
  2. JJ McMurray et al. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:993.
  3. N Bartell and WH Frishman. Cardiol Rev 2017; 25:315.


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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Jul 1;61(1575):104 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 2019;  (Issue 1569)
Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF ≤50% and symptoms of heart failure are...
Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF ≤50% and symptoms of heart failure are considered to have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). There is little evidence that drug treatment improves clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Apr 8;61(1569):49-54 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Expanded Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 2019;  (Issue 1569)
...
View the Expanded Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Apr 8;61(1569):e57-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Olmesartan and Sprue-Like Enteropathy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 29, 2018;  (Issue 1539)
A reader asked whether healthcare providers should avoid prescribing the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar, and others) because it can cause severe GI adverse effects.In 2013, the...
A reader asked whether healthcare providers should avoid prescribing the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar, and others) because it can cause severe GI adverse effects.

In 2013, the FDA warned that olmesartan can cause sprue-like enteropathy, a condition characterized by intestinal villous atrophy, severe chronic diarrhea, and significant unintended weight loss. The warning was based on 23 cases of serious sprue-like enteropathy associated with use of olmesartan, some occurring years after starting the drug. All patients improved after stopping olmesartan; 10 had a positive rechallenge.1 A case series describing 22 patients reported similar observations.2

Duodenal biopsies in patients with olmesartan-associated enteropathy have shown elevated CD8+ T cell counts and overexpression of interleukin-15 by epithelial cells, biomarkers similar to those seen after gluten exposure in patients with celiac disease. Mucosal recovery and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers were observed in biopsies obtained after stopping olmesartan.3

In an observational cohort study including about 4.5 million patients in France who started ARB or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy over a 6-year period, exposure to olmesartan for >2 years was associated with one additional hospitalization for intestinal malabsorption per 12,550 patients, compared with exposure to another ARB or ACE inhibitor; this difference was statistically significant.4

Isolated cases of enteropathy have been reported with use of other ARBs.5-8

The absolute risk of sprue-like enteropathy with olmesartan is very low, and the effect is reversible. Patients without GI risk factors whose hypertension is well controlled on olmesartan could probably continue taking it. For patients starting antihypertensive therapy and those with GI risk factors, any of the several other ACE inhibitors or ARBs available generically9 might be a better choice. Patients taking any ARB should notify their healthcare provider if they develop severe diarrhea.

  1. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA approves label changes to include intestinal problems (sprue-like enteropathy) linked to blood pressure medicine olmesartan medoxomil. Available at: www.fda.gov. Accessed January 18, 2018.
  2. A Rubio-Tapia et al. Severe spruelike enteropathy associated with olmesartan. Mayo Clin Proc 2012; 87:732.
  3. EV Marietta et al. Immunopathogenesis of olmesartan-associated enteropathy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2015; 42:1303.
  4. M Basson et al. Severe intestinal malabsorption associated with olmesartan: a French nationwide observational cohort study. Gut 2016; 65:1664.
  5. A Negro et al. A case of moderate sprue-like enteropathy associated with telmisartan. J Clin Med Res 2017; 9:1022.
  6. HS Mandavdhare et al. Telmisartan-induced sprue-like enteropathy: a case report and a review of patients using non-olmesartan angiotensin receptor blockers. Intest Res 2017; 15:419.
  7. ML Herman et al. A case of severe sprue-like enteropathy associated with valsartan. ACG Case Rep J 2015; 2:92.
  8. EY Choi and BJ McKenna. Olmesartan-associated enteropathy: a review of clinical and histologic findings. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2015; 139:1242.
  9. Drugs for hypertension. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2017; 59:41.


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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jan 29;60(1539):24 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 13, 2017;  (Issue 1516)
in the US and their dosages, adverse effects, and costs are listed in the tables. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed...
in the US and their dosages, adverse effects, and costs are listed in the tables. Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not discussed here.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Mar 13;59(1516):41-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2017;  (Issue 1514)
An oral nonopioid analgesic may be sufficient for treatment of mild to moderate migraine without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine. Use...
An oral nonopioid analgesic may be sufficient for treatment of mild to moderate migraine without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine. Use of a triptan early in an attack when pain is still mild to moderate in intensity improves headache response and reduces recurrence rates.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Feb 13;59(1514):27-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Migraine Prevention in Adults (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2017;  (Issue 1514)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Migraine Prevention in Adults
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Feb 13;59(1514):e31-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Byvalson - A Beta Blocker/ARB Combination for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 12, 2016;  (Issue 1503)
The FDA has approved Byvalson (Allergan), a fixed-dose combination of the beta blocker nebivolol (Bystolic) and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan (Diovan, and generics), for treatment...
The FDA has approved Byvalson (Allergan), a fixed-dose combination of the beta blocker nebivolol (Bystolic) and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan (Diovan, and generics), for treatment of hypertension. It is the only combination product that contains nebivolol, and the first to combine a beta blocker with an ARB.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Sep 12;58(1503):115-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Patiromer (Veltassa) for Hyperkalemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 15, 2016;  (Issue 1488)
The FDA has approved patiromer (Veltassa – Relypsa), an oral potassium binder, for treatment of hyperkalemia. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication since the cation-exchange resin sodium...
The FDA has approved patiromer (Veltassa – Relypsa), an oral potassium binder, for treatment of hyperkalemia. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication since the cation-exchange resin sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, and others) in 1958. Patiromer is not indicated for emergency correction of life-threatening hyperkalemia. Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, another oral potassium binder, is currently being reviewed by the FDA; a decision on its approval is expected in May 2016.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Feb 15;58(1488):23-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) for Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 3, 2015;  (Issue 1474)
The FDA has approved Entresto (Novartis), an oral fixed-dose combination of the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular...
The FDA has approved Entresto (Novartis), an oral fixed-dose combination of the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Sacubitril is the first neprilysin inhibitor to become available in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Aug 3;57(1474):107-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Prestalia - Another Combination for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 20, 2015;  (Issue 1473)
The FDA has approved Prestalia (Symplmed), an oral fixed-dose combination of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker amlodipine (Norvasc, and generics) and a new salt form of the...
The FDA has approved Prestalia (Symplmed), an oral fixed-dose combination of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker amlodipine (Norvasc, and generics) and a new salt form of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril, for treatment of hypertension in patients not adequately controlled on monotherapy or already taking both drugs, and in those just starting therapy who are likely to need multiple drugs to control their blood pressure. The new salt form (perindopril arginine) is more stable and has a longer shelf-life than perindopril erbumine (Aceon, and generics). Two other ACE inhibitor/calcium channel blocker combinations, benazepril/amlodipine (Lotrel, and generics) and trandolapril/verapamil ER (Tarka, and generics), have been available in the US for many years.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Jul 20;57(1473):103-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ivabradine (Corlanor) for Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 25, 2015;  (Issue 1469)
The FDA has approved ivabradine (Corlanor – Amgen) to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in adults with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular ejection...
The FDA has approved ivabradine (Corlanor – Amgen) to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in adults with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% who are in sinus rhythm with a resting heart rate ≥70 beats per minute and who are on maximum tolerated doses of beta blockers or have a contraindication to beta blocker use. Ivabradine has been available internationally for years as Procoralan and Corlentor for treatment of stable angina and heart failure.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 May 25;57(1469):75-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 19, 2015;  (Issue 1460)
Heart failure is usually associated with left ventricular dysfunction. According to recent guidelines, patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are considered to have heart failure...
Heart failure is usually associated with left ventricular dysfunction. According to recent guidelines, patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or systolic heart failure. Patients with a LVEF ≥50% and symptoms of heart failure are considered to have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or diastolic heart failure; there is little evidence that drug treatment improves clinical outcomes in these patients. The treatment of acute heart failure is not included here.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Jan 19;57(1460):9-13 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Low-Dose Diclofenac (Zorvolex) for Pain

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 3, 2014;  (Issue 1437)
The FDA has approved Zorvolex (Iroko), a low-dose oral formulation of the relatively COX-2 selective NSAID diclofenac, for treatment of mild-to-moderate acute pain in...
The FDA has approved Zorvolex (Iroko), a low-dose oral formulation of the relatively COX-2 selective NSAID diclofenac, for treatment of mild-to-moderate acute pain in adults.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Mar 3;56(1437):19-20 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2013;  (Issue 136)
Treatment of migraine in the emergency department, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not discussed...
Treatment of migraine in the emergency department, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not discussed here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2013 Dec;11(136):107-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2012;  (Issue 121)
Chronic systolic heart failure is usually associated with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40%. Many patients with symptoms of heart failure have higher ejection fractions, but there is no...
Chronic systolic heart failure is usually associated with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40%. Many patients with symptoms of heart failure have higher ejection fractions, but there is no evidence that drug treatment of heart failure with preserved systolic function (LVEF >40%) improves clinical outcomes. Some of the drugs commonly used now for treatment of chronic heart failure are listed in the table on page 71.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2012 Sep;10(121):69-72 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Aliskiren Trial Terminated

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 23, 2012;  (Issue 1382)
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the addition of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren (Tekturna – Novartis) to an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker...
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the addition of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren (Tekturna – Novartis) to an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in 8606 patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment (ALTITUDE) was terminated prematurely by the manufacturer because the combined incidence of cardiovascular and renal events was higher in patients who received aliskiren than in those who received placebo.1

Combining two different types of drugs that block the renin angiotensin system in patients at high-risk for cardiovascular and renal events has been studied previously. Use of both the ACE inhibitor ramipril (Altace, and others) and the ARB telmisartan (Micardis) in hypertensive patients with diabetes or vascular disease (ONTARGET) did not improve cardiovascular or renal outcomes compared to use of either drug alone, and patients treated with both drugs had more hypotensive symptoms, syncope and renal dysfunction.2

Aliskiren is available alone (Tekturna) and in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT), the calcium channel blocker amlodipine (Tekamlo), both hydrochorothiazide and amlodipine (Amturnide) and the ARB valsartan (Valturna) for treatment of hypertension.3 None of these products has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Novartis is advising prescribers not to use aliskiren-containing products with an ACE inhibitor or an ARB in patients with diabetes.

1. Novartis.Novartis announces termination of ALTITUDE study with Rasilez/Tekturna in high-risk patients with diabetes and renal impairment. Available at www.novartis.com/newsroom/rasileztekturna-information-center/index.shtml. Accessed January 17, 2012.

2. S Yusuf et al. Telmisartan, ramipril, or both in patients at high risk for vascular events. N Engl J Med 2008; 358:1547.

3. Aliskiren/valsartan (Valturna) for hypertension. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2009; 51:94.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Jan 23;54(1382):5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2012;  (Issue 113)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages and adverse effects, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 8. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages and adverse effects, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 8. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed here. They were reviewed previously.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2012 Jan;10(113):1-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2011;  (Issue 102)
Drugs for treatment of migraine are listed in Table 2 on page 9. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in Table 3 on page 10. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of...
Drugs for treatment of migraine are listed in Table 2 on page 9. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in Table 3 on page 10. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not included here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Feb;9(102):7-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

A Third Amlodipine/ARB Combination (Twynsta) for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 11, 2010;  (Issue 1329)
The FDA has approved Twynsta (Boehringer Ingelheim), a fixed-dose combination of the calcium-channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) telmisartan, for treatment of...
The FDA has approved Twynsta (Boehringer Ingelheim), a fixed-dose combination of the calcium-channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) telmisartan, for treatment of hypertension.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Jan 11;52(1329):2-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Aliskiren/Valsartan (Valturna) for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009;  (Issue 1326)
The FDA has approved the use of aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor, with valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), in a fixed-dose combination as Valturna (Novartis) for treatment...
The FDA has approved the use of aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor, with valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), in a fixed-dose combination as Valturna (Novartis) for treatment of hypertension in patients already taking both drugs or not adequately controlled on monotherapy, and as initial therapy in those likely to need multiple drugs to control their blood pressure.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Nov 30;51(1326):94-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2009;  (Issue 85)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Drug selection is guided by disease type (Crohn's versus ulcerative colitis), severity and location and whether the goal is...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Drug selection is guided by disease type (Crohn's versus ulcerative colitis), severity and location and whether the goal is induction or maintenance of remission. Table 1 on page 66 lists the drugs used to treat IBD with their formulations and cost. Table 2 on page 68 lists the drugs of choice and their doses for different indications. Table 3 on page 71 lists the drugs' adverse effects and recommendations for monitoring. More detailed guidelines are available from the American College of Gastroenterology.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Sep;7(85):65-74 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2009;  (Issue 83)
The range of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to expand. Some of those commonly used now are listed in the table on page 55. Mechanical therapies for the treatment of heart failure such as...
The range of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to expand. Some of those commonly used now are listed in the table on page 55. Mechanical therapies for the treatment of heart failure such as cardiac resynchronization, implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), ventricular assist devices and ultrafiltration for the relief of congestion will not be reviewed here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Jul;7(83):53-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2009;  (Issue 77)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 9. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 9. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed here. They were reviewed in Treatment Guidelines (volume 1, page 19, December 2002) and in The Medical Letter (volume 50, page 73, September 22, 2008).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Jan;7(77):1-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 15, 2008;  (Issue 1301)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Dec 15;50(1301):100-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT) for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 25, 2008;  (Issue 1293)
Aliskiren (Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension, has been approved for use in a fixed-dose combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT -...
Aliskiren (Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension, has been approved for use in a fixed-dose combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT - Novartis). Many angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are also available in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Aug 25;50(1293):65-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2008;  (Issue 67)
Some drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in table 2 on page 18. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in table 3 on page 20. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve...
Some drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in table 2 on page 18. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in table 3 on page 20. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not included here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Mar;6(67):17-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Aliskiren (Tekturna) for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 9, 2007;  (Issue 1258)
Aliskiren (ah LIS ker in; Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension. It is indicated for oral use either as monotherapy or in combination...
Aliskiren (ah LIS ker in; Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension. It is indicated for oral use either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2007 Apr 9;49(1258):29-31 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2006;  (Issue 41)
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. Those most commonly used now are listed in the table on page 3. The use of implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to reduce the...
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. Those most commonly used now are listed in the table on page 3. The use of implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to reduce the incidence of sudden death in patients with heart failure and the treatment of decompensated heart failure were discussed in previous issues.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Jan;4(41):1-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2005;  (Issue 40)
To prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used...
To prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The DMARDs listed in the table on page 84 have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and have been shown to delay and possibly stop progression of the disease. The NSAIDs listed in the table on page 88 have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. Oral corticosteroids can rapidly relieve joint symptoms and control systemic manifestations, but their chronic use is associated with many complications.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 Dec;3(40):83-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

BiDil for Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 28, 2005;  (Issue 1218)
BiDil (NitroMed), a fixed-dose combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, was approved by the FDA for adjunctive use in the treatment of heart failure in black patients.Both drugs are oral...
BiDil (NitroMed), a fixed-dose combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, was approved by the FDA for adjunctive use in the treatment of heart failure in black patients.Both drugs are oral vasodilators that have been used together off-label for many years to treat heart failure in patients not responding to other drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Sep 28;47(1218):77-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2005;  (Issue 34)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 40. Combination products are listed on page 47. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 40. Combination products are listed on page 47. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 Jun;3(34):39-48 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

ARBs and Myocardial Infarction

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 9, 2005;  (Issue 1208)
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used as an alternative to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for treatment of hypertension because they lower blood pressure without inducing a cough....
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used as an alternative to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for treatment of hypertension because they lower blood pressure without inducing a cough. It has not been established that they provide the same cardiac benefits as ACE inhibitors. Recently, an editorial in the British Medical Journal suggested that ARBs may increase the risk of myocardial infarction.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 May 9;47(1208):38-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2004;  (Issue 25)
Drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in the table on page 64. All of the oral drugs are most effective if taken early in an attack when the pain is mild (H Christoph-Diener et al, Neurology 2004;...
Drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in the table on page 64. All of the oral drugs are most effective if taken early in an attack when the pain is mild (H Christoph-Diener et al, Neurology 2004; 63:520). Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in the table on page 65. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not included here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Sep;2(25):63-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Initial Therapy of Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 5, 2004;  (Issue 1186)
The importance of adequate control of hypertension in preventing organ damage and death is well established, but the choice of drugs is still controversial. Three recent drug trials, one supporting initial...
The importance of adequate control of hypertension in preventing organ damage and death is well established, but the choice of drugs is still controversial. Three recent drug trials, one supporting initial therapy with a diuretic, the second favoring an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and the third showing equivalence between a calcium-channel blocker and an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) have intensified the debate.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Jul 5;46(1186):53-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Intermittent Claudication

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 16, 2004;  (Issue 1176)
Management of intermittent claudication, the most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), involves both risk factor modification and symptomatic treatment (WR Hiatt, N Engl J Med 2001; 344:1608; RM...
Management of intermittent claudication, the most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), involves both risk factor modification and symptomatic treatment (WR Hiatt, N Engl J Med 2001; 344:1608; RM Schainfeld, J Am Board Fam Pract 2001; 14:443).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Feb 16;46(1176):13-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Eplerenone (Inspra)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 12, 2003;  (Issue 1156)
Eplerenone (e pler' en one; Inspra - Pharmacia), an aldosterone receptor antagonist similar to spironolactone (Aldactone, and others), has been approved by the FDA, but not yet marketed, for treatment of...
Eplerenone (e pler' en one; Inspra - Pharmacia), an aldosterone receptor antagonist similar to spironolactone (Aldactone, and others), has been approved by the FDA, but not yet marketed, for treatment of hypertension. It has also been tried for treatment of heart failure.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 May 12;45(1156):39-40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2003;  (Issue 8)
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. It has become increasingly recognized that drugs used in heart failure produce beneficial effects through neurohormonal as well as...
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. It has become increasingly recognized that drugs used in heart failure produce beneficial effects through neurohormonal as well as hemodynamic mechanisms. The treatment of decompensated heart failure is not discussed here; drugs used for this indication were reviewed in Cardiovascular Drugs in the ICU, Treatment Guidelines from The Medical Letter 2002; 1:19.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Apr;1(8):53-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2003;  (Issue 6)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the table that begins on page 35. Combination products are listed on page 39. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the table that begins on page 35. Combination products are listed on page 39. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies were discussed in Treatment Guidelines volume 1, issue 4, page 19, December 2002.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Feb;1(6):33-40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2003;  (Issue 5)
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), listed in the table on page 26, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect...
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), listed in the table on page 26, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. Corticosteroids can provide rapid relief of joint symptoms and control of systemic manifestations, but chronic use is associated with many complications. The "disease-modifying" anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), listed on page 29, have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and may delay progression of the disease (American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines, Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46:328). Interactions of anti-rheumatic drugs with other drugs are listed in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 2003.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Jan;1(5):25-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Cardiovascular Drugs in the ICU

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2002;  (Issue 4)
Ever-increasing specialization has made it difficult for many physicians to keep up with therapeutic standards in intensive-care units (ICUs). This issue of Treatment Guidelines offers current recommendations...
Ever-increasing specialization has made it difficult for many physicians to keep up with therapeutic standards in intensive-care units (ICUs). This issue of Treatment Guidelines offers current recommendations for use of cardiovascular drugs in the ICU for treatment of hypertensive emergencies; shock, cardiac arrest or decompensated heart failure; and ventricular arrhythmias.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2002 Dec;0(4):19-24 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Olmesartan (Benicar) for hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 5, 2002;  (Issue 1136)
Olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar - Sankyo), a substituted imidazole, is the seventh oral angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) approved by the FDA for treatment of...
Olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar - Sankyo), a substituted imidazole, is the seventh oral angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Aug 5;44(1136):69-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 8, 2002;  (Issue 1134)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Jul 8;44(1134):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 5, 2001;  (Issue 1099)
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the...
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the text.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Mar 5;43(1099):17-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Beta-blockers For Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 2000;  (Issue 1081)
Standard treatment for patients with heart failure has included a diuretic, digitalis and an ACE inhibitor. In recent years carvedilol, a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, and the...
Standard treatment for patients with heart failure has included a diuretic, digitalis and an ACE inhibitor. In recent years carvedilol, a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, and the beta-selective blockers bisoprolol and metroprolol have also been used for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Jun 26;42(1081):54-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Spironolactone for Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 10, 1999;  (Issue 1061)
Spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, has been FDA-approved for many years for treatment of edema, hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism. Recently, it was reported to improve morbidity and...
Spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, has been FDA-approved for many years for treatment of edema, hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism. Recently, it was reported to improve morbidity and mortality in patients with severe heart failure.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Sep 10;41(1061):81-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Prosorba Column for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 30, 1999;  (Issue 1058)
Prosorba, an antibody-adsorbing column used with plasmapheresis, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients refractory or intolerant to methotrexate and...
Prosorba, an antibody-adsorbing column used with plasmapheresis, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients refractory or intolerant to methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Jul 30;41(1058):67-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Rofecoxib for Osteoarthritis and Pain

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 1999;  (Issue 1056)
Rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of osteoarthritis, acute pain and menstrual...
Rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of osteoarthritis, acute pain and menstrual pain.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Jul 2;41(1056):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 12, 1999;  (Issue 1048)
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the...
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the text.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Mar 12;41(1048):23-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 29, 1999;  (Issue 1045)
...
The choice of drugs for treatment of heart failure depends on both hemodynamic and neurohormonal factors.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Jan 29;41(1045):12-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Candesartan for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 20, 1998;  (Issue 1040)
Candesartan cilexetil (Atacand - Astra) is the fourth angiotensin II receptor antagonist to become available in the USA for oral treatment of...
Candesartan cilexetil (Atacand - Astra) is the fourth angiotensin II receptor antagonist to become available in the USA for oral treatment of hypertension.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Nov 20;40(1040):109-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Irbesartan for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 1998;  (Issue 1019)
Irbesartan (Avapro - Sanofi/Bristol-Myers Squibb) is the third angiotensin II receptor antagonist to become available in the USA for oral treatment of hypertension. Losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan) were...
Irbesartan (Avapro - Sanofi/Bristol-Myers Squibb) is the third angiotensin II receptor antagonist to become available in the USA for oral treatment of hypertension. Losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan) were marketed earlier. Eprosartan (Teveten - SmithKline Beecham) has been approved by the FDA but not marketed.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Jan 30;40(1019):18-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Carvedilol for Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 26, 1997;  (Issue 1010)
Carvedilol (Coreg - SmithKline Beecham and Boehringer-Mannheim), a betaadrenergic and alpha-adrenergic blocker approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension in 1995, but not marketed at that time, has now...
Carvedilol (Coreg - SmithKline Beecham and Boehringer-Mannheim), a betaadrenergic and alpha-adrenergic blocker approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension in 1995, but not marketed at that time, has now been approved and marketed for treatment of mild or moderate (NYHA class II or III) heart failure stabilized on other drugs. It is being promoted as an add-on drug that reduces the morbidity and mortality of the disease.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Sep 26;39(1010):89-91 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Trandolapril: An ACE Inhibitor for Treatment of Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 22, 1996;  (Issue 988)
Trandolapril (tran doe la pril; Mavik - Knoll) has become the ninth angiotensin-converting- enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of...
Trandolapril (tran doe la pril; Mavik - Knoll) has become the ninth angiotensin-converting- enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of hypertension.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Nov 22;38(988):104-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 11, 1996;  (Issue 985)
Cardiologist now emphasize the importance of neurohormonal as well as hemodynamic factors in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (JN Cohn, N Engl J Med, 335:490, August 15, 1996). Drugs that act on...
Cardiologist now emphasize the importance of neurohormonal as well as hemodynamic factors in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (JN Cohn, N Engl J Med, 335:490, August 15, 1996). Drugs that act on different mechanisms are commonly used together.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Oct 11;38(985):92-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Captopril for Diabetic Nephropathy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 27, 1994;  (Issue 923)
Captopril (Capoten - Bristol-Myers Squibb), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor previously available for treatment of hypertension, has now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration...
Captopril (Capoten - Bristol-Myers Squibb), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor previously available for treatment of hypertension, has now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease in the United States.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994 May 27;36(923):46-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Quinapril for Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 20, 1992;  (Issue 866)
Quinapril (Accupril - Parke-Davis), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of hypertension. ACE inhibitors are now...
Quinapril (Accupril - Parke-Davis), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of hypertension. ACE inhibitors are now widely used for this indication (Medical Letter, 33:33, 1991).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 Mar 20;34(866):27-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Three New ACE Inhibitors For Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 6, 1991;  (Issue 852)
Benazepril (Lotensin - Ciba-Geigy), fosinopril (Monopril - Mead Johnson), and - Hoechst, Upjohn) are new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration...
Benazepril (Lotensin - Ciba-Geigy), fosinopril (Monopril - Mead Johnson), and - Hoechst, Upjohn) are new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for once-a-day treatment of hypertension. Three other ACE inhibitors, captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) were previously available in the USA for this indication. Captopril and enalapril have also been approved by the FDA for treatment of congestive heart failure.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1991 Sep 6;33(852):83-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Doxazosin For Treatment of Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 1991;  (Issue 838)
Doxazosin (mesylate - Roerig), an alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocker similar to prazosin (Minipress, and others) and terazosin (Hytrin), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for...
Doxazosin (mesylate - Roerig), an alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocker similar to prazosin (Minipress, and others) and terazosin (Hytrin), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hypertension.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1991 Feb 22;33(838):15-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Moricizine for Cardiac Arrhythmias

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 2, 1990;  (Issue 830)
Moricizine (mor i'; siz een) hydrochloride (Ethmozine - Du Pont), a class I antiarrhythmic drug developed in the USSR, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of...
Moricizine (mor i'; siz een) hydrochloride (Ethmozine - Du Pont), a class I antiarrhythmic drug developed in the USSR, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1990 Nov 2;32(830):99-100 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Is Indapamide (Lozol) Safer Than A Thiazide?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 17, 1989;  (Issue 805)
Recent advertisements for indapamide (Lozol - Rorer), an oral antihypertensive/diuretic (Medical Letter, 26:17, 1984), claim that the drug, unlike thiazide diuretics, does not significantly increase serum...
Recent advertisements for indapamide (Lozol - Rorer), an oral antihypertensive/diuretic (Medical Letter, 26:17, 1984), claim that the drug, unlike thiazide diuretics, does not significantly increase serum cholesterol and has a minimal impact on potassium. Indapamide has no thiazide ring but, like chlorthalidone (Hygroton; and others) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril; and others), it does have a sulfamoyl benzamide moiety, which is probably responsible for its natriuretic and diuretic effects. Unlike the thiazides, it also has a methylindoline moiety, which apparently decreases peripheral resistance.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1989 Nov 17;31(805):103 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

ACE Inhibitors for Congestive Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 21, 1988;  (Issue 777)
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors captopril (Capoten - Squibb) and enalapril (Vasotec - Merck) are now widely used to treat chronic congestive heart failure that has not responded adequately...
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors captopril (Capoten - Squibb) and enalapril (Vasotec - Merck) are now widely used to treat chronic congestive heart failure that has not responded adequately to digitalis and diuretics (Medical Letter, 30:13, Jan 29, 1988). Recently, some cardiologists have debated whether ACE inhibitors should also be used as first-line agents for treatment of this condition (WW Parmley et al, J Am Coll Cardiol, 12:265, July 1988).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1988 Oct 21;30(777):97-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Lisinopril For Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 1988;  (Issue 763)
- Merck; Zestril - Stuart), a new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for once-daily treatment of . Two other ACE inhibitors,...
- Merck; Zestril - Stuart), a new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for once-daily treatment of . Two other ACE inhibitors, captopril (Capoten - Squibb) and e
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1988 Apr 8;30(763):41-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Vasodilators For Congestive Heart Failure

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 29, 1988;  (Issue 758)
Vasodilators are widely used for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) that has not responded adequately to diuretics and digitalis. Vasodilator drugs redistribute blood volume in patients with heart...
Vasodilators are widely used for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) that has not responded adequately to diuretics and digitalis. Vasodilator drugs redistribute blood volume in patients with heart failure, lowering pressure and reducing volume in the failing left ventricle, which leads to increased cardiac output, decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and improved exercise tolerance. Since the last Medical Letter review of this subject (Volume 26, page 115, 1984), some additional data have become available.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1988 Jan 29;30(758):13-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction