Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Azilsartan Versus Losartan in Patient Suffering from Hypertension

Background:Losartan was launched in 1995 as first angiotensin receptor blocker and azilsartan was launched in India in 2011. Not much data was available in Indian population for comparing these two drugs, so this study was planned. Objectives:To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of azilsartan versus losartan in patients of hypertension. Material and Methods:A prospective open randomized parallel group comparative study was done to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of azilsartan (Group I) versus losartan (Group II) in patients of stage I hypertension. Effectiveness of the drugs was calculated in terms of fall in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 24 weeks. Data was statistically analysed using appropriate tests. Results: No significant difference of distribution of sex, weight, SBP, DBP and pulse rate was observed in both groups at baseline. In group I, mean SBP at baseline was 162.60±3.92 which decreased to 129.20±2.94 at 24 weeks. In group II, mean SBP was 162.40 ± 3.42 at baseline which decreased to 130.00±3.54 at 24 weeks. In group I, mean DBP at baseline was 100.16±2.48 which decreased to 80.20±6.24 at 24 weeks. In group II mean DBP was 100.28±2.49 at baseline which decreased to 82.32 ±2.36 at 24 weeks. Conclusion:Both drugs were efficacious, safe and well tolerated in hypertensive patients. Azilsartan results in significant decrease in SBP as compared to losartan although the clinical difference between two was only of 1.20 mm of Hg at the end of 24 weeks.