Dr. Uttio Gupta, Dr. Jayant Kelwade, Dr. Sreejith M, Dr. Jacob Thomas, Dr. Sejao Vidyasindhu
Background: An equivalent efficacy compared with racemic amlodipine with reduced or insignificant peripheral edema makes S-amlodipine a costeffective treatment alternative in hypertension. S-amlodipine has also been proven to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated even when used as combination therapy with other antihypertensive agents. S-amlodipine has added benefits in optimizing atherogenic lipids and reduces cardiovascular outcomes. The present review was performed to assess the health economics of the use of S-amlodipine in hypertension.
Methods: Authors conducted a systematic review of published literature to evaluate the health economics and outcomes research of the use of S-amlodipine in hypertension treatment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used to report this review.
Results and discussion: The authors finalized a total of 34 articles, including randomized clinical trials, systematic review, and metaanalysis. The authors discuss the health care cost benefits associated with managing hypertension, use of amlodipine and its cost efficacy in managing hypertension, the significance of S-amlodipine in terms of equivalence of antihypertensive efficacy reduced side effects, and better cost implications.
Conclusion: The authors concluded that S-amlodipine in hypertension treatment is not only cost-effective, but it also reduces the risk of peripheral edema when compared with racemic amlodipine.
Key points for clinicians
• It is economically viable to treat patients with diastolic blood pressure more than or equal to 90 mm Hg, except those below 45 years of age.
• Amlodipine is a cost-saving therapy compared with angiotensin receptor II blockers in preventing stroke, myocardial infarction in hypertension patients.
• S-amlodipine has equivalent antihypertensive activity, with a significantly reduced risk of peripheral oedema compared with racemic amlodipine.
• Use of S-amlodipine is cost effective and can save health care expenditure compared with standard care.