To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Atacand HCT (Candesartan Cilexetil-Hydrochlorothiazide), Anti-Hypertensive, Now Available In US URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1E8486.htm Doctor's Guide October 26, 2000
WAYNE, PA -- October 26, 2000 -- AstraZeneca announced that Atacand HCT™ (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide) is now available in pharmacies nationwide. Atacand HCT received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on September 5, 2000 for second-line treatment of hypertension. The availability of Atacand HCT comes as more physicians are turning to fixed-dose combination antihypertensives to help patients reach their desired blood pressure targets when monotherapy proves inadequate. Recent public health surveys show that only one in five hypertensive patients in the United States are reaching target blood pressure levels. With the diverse needs of hypertensive patients, the availability of Atacand HCT offers for many an effective treatment option for increased blood pressure reduction than either drug alone. Atacand HCT is the combination of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) Atacand® and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Atacand HCT is available in two fixed-dose combinations: 32 mg candesartan cilexetil-12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide and 16 mg candesartan cilexetil-12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide. Atacand HCT is not indicated for initial therapy of hypertension. The combination of candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide has been evaluated in twelve controlled clinical trials involving approximately 4,600 hypertensive patients. In controlled clinical trials, the dosing combinations of 32-12.5 mg and 16-12.5 mg resulted in placebo-adjusted decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures of 14-18/8-11 mmHg. Atacand HCT 32-12.5 mg once daily maintained a blood pressure lowering effect over a full 24-hour period. Atacand HCT was generally well tolerated. The overall incidence of adverse events reported with Atacand HCT in controlled clinical trials was comparable to placebo. The most common adverse events occurring with Atacand HCT with a frequency greater than two percent and more often than placebo were: upper respiratory infection (3.6 percent vs 3.0 percent), dizziness (2.9 percent vs 1.2 percent), back pain (3.3 percent vs 2.4 percent) and flu-like symptoms (2.5 percent vs 1.9 percent). As a drug that acts directly on the renin-angiotensin system, Atacand HCT should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected. ARBs work by inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II, a peptide that constricts blood vessels and may contribute to hypertension. Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, reduce blood pressure by enhancing the ability of the kidneys to eliminate salt and fluid from the body. Atacand was launched in the United States in October 1998 and is available in 33 countries. Related Links: Atacand HCT (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide) and AstraZeneca. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.