First-line medicines in the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

SummaryThe goal of therapy in uncomplicated hypertension is to reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering the patient's blood pressure. If non-drug treatment is ineffective, the choice of drug treatment is determined by its safety and efficacy. When safety and efficacy are equal the lowest cost drug should be prescribed. For most patients the first choice drug is a low-dose thiazide diuretic.

Economic Burden of Drug Therapy in Hypertension Management in a Private Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

“…Prevalence of hypertension among Nigerians is said to be high [10] and has been put at 38.6% and 41.2% respectively for adult males and females aged ≥25 years [11]. Moreover, given that cost is an important discriminating factor in making informed choices in initiating and maintaining antihypertensive therapy, [12] it is important that hypertensive patients are afforded cost effective therapy while upholding the principles of rational drug use.…”