The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7279 p804
13 December 2003

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MeReC Extra (more)

MeReC looks at angiotensin drugs

Evidence to support the combined use of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and an angiotensin II receptor antagonist in hypertension, renal disease and heart failure is, as yet, unconvincing, the latest issue of MeReC Extra suggests.

For hypertension, it recommends that other combinations, such as an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic, are preferable, while in renal disease, it says that only specialists should initiate and monitor combination treatments. In heart failure, the main role of angiotensin II receptor antagonists is as an alternative treatment for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.

MeReC Extra is available on the internet and NHSnet (www.npc.nhs.uk). A copy of the latest issue (No 11) is included with this week’s issue of The Journal sent to pharmacists in England.