[Fixed-dose combinations in the first line of antihypertensive therapy].

Several clinical studies confirm that fixed low-dose combinations have a number of advantages in the therapy of hypertension. The components with different mode of action provide additive therapeutic effects, resulting in higher blood pressure reduction and greater proportion of responders, moreover the use of low dose antihypertensive agents decreases the frequency of adverse effects. Due to single drug regimen and better tolerance improved compliance is expected. In addition fixed-dose combinations offer cost-containment from the perspective of the patient and the health care service.