Atorvastatin calcium plus amlodipine for the treatment of hypertension

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) and dyslipemia (DYL) are two of the major modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, determinants in the development of cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease (CHD). Many patients have both risk factors which increase their total CV risk compared with patients with only one risk factor. Treatment guideline recommendations are poorly implemented in real practice, in part due to numerous and complicated drug regimes which hamper patientes adherence. Areas covered: In this article the authors describe the first combined fixed-dose pill of an antihypertensive and a lipid-lowering agent, the single-pill combination of amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium (SPAA). They summarize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of both compounds and the main randomized clinical studies, as well as real-world observational studies, made with the new combined formulation. Expert opinion: The use of the single-pill amlodipine and atorvastatin is an adequate option for the clinician to treat hypertensive patients with DYL or high CV risk burden, with proven efficacy, tolerability, cost-effectiveness, and the advantage of improving patient treatment compliance.