A new fixed-dose combination therapy that contains the antihypertensives amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil (Azor; Daiichi Sankyo) has received FDA approval. It is indicated for a second-line treatment as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives. The 3 approved daily doses are: amlodipine/olmesartan medoxomil 5/20 mg, 5/40 mg, and 10/40 mg (maximum recommended dosage). The only adverse event reported is edema.

"Azor is a valuable treatment addition, since so many people in the United States with hypertension do not have their blood pressure adequately controlled," said Michael A. Weber, MD, professor of medicine, State University of New York. "Azor, with its established efficacy and favorable side-effect profile, provides 2 complementary mechanisms of action to lower blood pressure. It will give physicians a new treatment option for patients whose blood pressure remains too high on currently prescribed medications."