Efficacy and tolerability of valsartan in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of valsartan in a different ethnic population than that studied in international trials. Also to compare the adverse experiences reported in this trial with those reported internationally.

METHODS: A total of 2940 patients with newly diagnosed or established uncomplicated mild-to-moderate essential hypertension participated in this open-label study. Each participating investigator was asked to enrol 12 patients, 10 on valsartan and 2, serving as controls, on any other anti-hypertensive. The control group included patients of similar clinical setting, disease severity, and overall health profile using alternative anti-hypertensive treatments was enrolled for tracking of patients receiving any anti-hypertensive other than valsartan.

RESULTS: Both valsartan and the control medications showed a clear-cut antihypertensive effect. However, valsartan showed significantly better antihypertensive efficacy compared to the control group at the final visit. Twenty-four percent of patients in the control group compared to 3.9% in the valsartan group reported adverse experiences (P<0.001). Dizziness and headache were the most common treatment-related reported adverse experiences. Dry cough was more commonly reported in the control group compared to patients in the valsartan group.

CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggest, in line with data from international clinical studies, that valsartan is well tolerated and is at least as effective as other commonly used medications in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate hypertension.