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Aliskiren in the Management of Hypertension

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Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers) have been shown to be effective drugs in the management of hypertension and to have beneficial effects along the cardiovascular continuum. However, due to compensatory mechanisms, both of these types of agent increase plasma renin activity, which has been reported to have deleterious effects on patient outcomes. Aliskiren is the first nonpeptide orally administered direct renin inhibitor available on the market. Reported data have shown that aliskiren effectively reduces BP alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, and has a good tolerability profile. Moreover, this agent reduces plasma renin activity, which in theory could have additional clinical benefits. However, clinical trials analyzing the effects of aliskiren on mortality are still ongoing.

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Acknowledgments

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. Dr Barrios has received consultancy fees from Novartis. Dr Escobar has no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiology, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km 9.100, 28034, Madrid, Spain

    Vivencio Barrios

  2. Hospital Infanta Sofia, San Sebastian de los Reyes, Madrid, Spain

    Carlos Escobar

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  1. Vivencio Barrios
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  2. Carlos Escobar
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Correspondence to Vivencio Barrios.

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Barrios, V., Escobar, C. Aliskiren in the Management of Hypertension. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 10, 349–358 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11584980-000000000-00000

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