Efficacy and tolerance of a fixed ratio combination of hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride and timolol, taken before or after food, in the treatment of hypertension.

An open study was carried out in general practice to assess the efficacy and tolerance of a fixed ratio combination of hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg), amiloride (2.5 mg) and timolol (10 mg) in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate hypertension, and to determine if there were any differences in response when medication was taken before or after food. A total of 663 patients was studied and received 1 to 2 tablets once daily for a period of 12 weeks; 322 patients took their medication before and 341 after food. The results showed that there were similar significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in heart rate in both groups, over half of the patients being controlled (less than 90 mmHg diastolic) after 2 weeks and 80% by the end of the study period. Relatively few adverse effects were reported and the incidence during treatment was less than that recorded on entry to the study. There was no evidence to suggest that the timing of drug intake in relation to food had any effect on the efficacy or tolerance of the combination.