Main Research Findings

Amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy is an effective treatment for hypertension. 5 found that the combination was more effective at lowering blood pressure than amlodipine alone in patients who were not adequately controlled with amlodipine monotherapy. 4 found that switching from high-dose calcium channel blockers to a fixed-dose combination of amlodipine/benazepril was effective in patients with moderate to severe hypertension. A meta-analysis of 82 studies comparing various first-line monotherapies with amlodipine/benazepril showed that amlodipine/benazepril produced above-average blood pressure reductions with a lower-than-average incidence of overall side effects and the lowest incidence of adverse effects resulting in drug discontinuation. 3

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy are thought to be caused by the pharmacological actions of each component. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that has vasodilating effects. This action can lead to side effects such as peripheral edema and headache due to peripheral vasodilation. 2 Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor that inhibits the production of angiotensin II, resulting in vasodilation. This action can lead to side effects such as cough and dysgeusia.

Common Side Effects

Edema

The most common side effect of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy is edema. 2 This side effect is thought to be caused by the vasodilating effects of amlodipine. Edema often occurs in the ankles and feet and rarely becomes severe.

Headache

Headache is another common side effect of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy. 2 This side effect is thought to be caused by the vasodilating effects of amlodipine. Headaches are typically mild to moderate and resolve within a few days.

Cough

Coughing may occur due to the ACE inhibitory action of benazepril. 6 Cough is usually mild to moderate and resolves within a few weeks.

Dysgeusia

Dysgeusia may occur due to the ACE inhibitory action of benazepril. 6 Dysgeusia is usually mild and resolves within a few weeks.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Edema

If you are concerned about edema, consult your doctor. They may adjust the dosage of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy or change to a different medication if necessary. To alleviate edema, rest with your ankles and feet elevated.

Headache

If you are concerned about headaches, consult your doctor. They may adjust the dosage of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy or change to a different medication if necessary. To alleviate headaches, take pain relievers.

Cough

If you are concerned about coughing, consult your doctor. They may adjust the dosage of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy or change to a different medication if necessary. To alleviate coughing, take cough suppressants.

Dysgeusia

If you are concerned about dysgeusia, consult your doctor. They may adjust the dosage of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy or change to a different medication if necessary. To alleviate dysgeusia, try adjusting your diet.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities in Studies

All these studies aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy. Furthermore, all these studies employed randomized controlled trials. This approach involves randomly assigning participants to treatment and control groups to ensure that differences in treatment effects are due to the medication rather than other factors.

Differences in Studies

These studies differ in terms of the target patient population, dosage, assessment criteria, and study duration. The study in 5 focused on patients who were not adequately controlled with amlodipine monotherapy, while the study in 4 targeted patients with moderate to severe hypertension. The meta-analysis in 3 integrated data from various studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy.

Notes on Application in Daily Life

Amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy is an effective drug for treating hypertension. However, it is not effective for all patients. Additionally, there is a possibility of side effects. When taking amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy, follow your doctor's instructions, and if you experience any side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor.

Limitations of Current Research

These studies were all conducted over finite periods, making them insufficient for evaluating long-term effects and safety. Additionally, these studies targeted specific patient populations, limiting their applicability to all patients.

Future Research Directions

Research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy. Studies involving diverse patient populations are also required.

Conclusion

Amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy is an effective drug for treating hypertension. However, it is not effective for all patients. Additionally, there is a possibility of side effects. When taking amlodipine-benazepril combination therapy, follow your doctor's instructions, and if you experience any side effects, consult your doctor immediately.