ZIAC HYPOTENSION LAUNCHED IN USA

Lederle Laboratories and Procter & Gamble have launched Ziac (bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochloro-thiazide) in the USA for the initial treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. The once-a-day product is the first low-dose, two-component antihypertensive developed specifically to address dose-related side effects, according to Lederle.

Ziac is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg doses of bisoprolol, each with 6.25mg hydrochlorothiazide. The drug is suitable for newly-diagnosed patients, those who are not adequately controlled or who are having side effects with their present therapy, and patients who experience significant potassium loss with hydrochlorothiazide therapy.

Linda Wase, vice president of scientific affairs at Lederle, said that the beta blocker/diuretic combination in Ziac complement each other and act synergistically to lower blood pressure, while minimizing the side effects seen when the drugs are taken separately at higher doses. Two multicenter studies have shown that Ziac provides adequate hypotensive cover with side effects comparable to placebo.