Amlodipine and losartan in the treatment of elderly hypertensives including persistence of effect in case of missed doses

To study the efficacy and offset of action of amlodipine and losartan in elderly hypertensives. Randomized, double-blind, parallel group study of 12-weeks duration followed by 2 drug free days in 210 patients ≥65 years of age. The initial dose of amlodipine 5mg and losartan 50mg could be doubled at week 6 if DBP was still > 90mmHg. ABPM was performed at baseline, after 12-weeks treatment, and after 2 missed doses (48–72 hours after the last dose). In elderly hypertensives monotherapy with amlodipine is more potent than losartan particularly concerning SBP both during therapy and in case of missed doses.