Effect of fixed dose combinations of metoprolol and amlodipine in essential hypertension: MARS – A randomized controlled trial

AbstractAim. To compare two strengths of a fixed drug combination (FDC) containing metoprolol XL and amlodipine (metoprolol/amlodipine 50/5; and metoprolol/amlodipine 25/2.5) with its components in hypertension. Methods. We conducted this multicentre, randomized, open-label, trial in Indian patients with hypertension (140–180 mmHg/90–114 mmHg) in 11 centres from nine cities. Eligible patients (n = 402) were randomized into one of five treatment groups (metoprolol XL 50 mg + amlodipine 5 mg, metoprolol XL 25 mg + amlodipine 2.5 mg, metoprolol XL 50 mg, metoprolol XL 25 mg or amlodipine 5 mg) and treated for 8 weeks with five follow-up visits to record blood pressure (BP) and clinical status. Results. At baseline, treatment groups were well balanced; mean ± SD BP was 154.87 ± 11.91/96.63 ± 6.97 mmHg. The greatest reduction in BP from baseline to 8 weeks was seen in the high-dose FDC group (23.61/14.91 mmHg; p < 0.001). The remaining 4 groups too demonstrated a significant reduction (p < 0.001): low-dose FDC...