AstraZeneca announced that Atacand HCT (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide) is now available in pharmacies nationwide. Atacand HCT received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on September 5, 2000 for second-line treatment of hypertension.

The availability of Atacand HCT comes as more physicians are turning to fixed-dose combination antihypertensives to help patients reach their desired blood pressure targets when monotherapy proves inadequate. Recent public health surveys show that only one in five hypertensive patients in the United States are reaching target blood pressure levels. With the diverse needs of hypertensive patients, the availability of Atacand HCT offers for many an effective treatment option for increased blood pressure reduction than either drug alone.

Atacand HCT is the combination of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) Atacand and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Atacand HCT is available in two fixed-dose combinations: 32 mg candesartan cilexetil-12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide and 16 mg candesartan cilexetil-12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide. Atacand HCT is not indicated for initial therapy of hypertension.

The combination of candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide has been evaluated in twelve controlled clinical trials involving approximately 4,600 hypertensive patients. In controlled clinical trials, the dosing combinations of 32-12.5 mg and 16-12.5 mg resulted in placebo-adjusted decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures of 14-18/8-11 mmHg. Atacand HCT 32-12.5 mg once daily maintained a blood pressure lowering effect over a full 24-hour period.

ARBs work by inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II, a peptide that constricts blood vessels and may contribute to hypertension. Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, reduce blood pressure by enhancing the ability of the kidneys to eliminate salt and fluid from the body. Atacand was launched in the United States in October 1998 and is available in 33 countries.