A RANDOMIZED, OPEN LABEL, PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO COMPARE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF LOSARTAN WITH AMLODIPINE VERSUS LOSARTAN WITH HYDRO-CHLOROTHIAZIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION IN A RURAL TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading global health concern, contributing significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of various antihypertensive therapies, the optimal treatment regimen, particularly in diverse populations, remains a subject of ongoing research. This study aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of two commonly prescribed antihypertensive combinations: Losartan + Amlodipine and Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Materials & Methods: This prospective, randomized, open-label study involved 300 newly diagnosed hypertension patients (aged 18-80) at UPUMS, Saifai. Patients were randomly assigned to Group A (Losartan + Amlodipine) or Group B (Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide). Over a year, blood pressure, heart rate, and adverse effects were monitored at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: The baseline demographic characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups. In Group A (Losartan + Amlodipine), 54.67% were male, and 45.33% were female. Group B (Losartan + Hydro-Chlorothiazide) had 50.67% males and 49.33% females. Age distribution was also similar between the groups: in Group A, 34% were under 40 years, 37.33% were 40-49 years, 21.33% were 50-59 years, and 7.33% were over 60 years old. In years old. The p-values for gender and age were 0.76 and 0.41, respectively. Conclusion: Both Losartan + Amlodipine and Losartan + Hydrochlorothiazide effectively reduced blood pressure and improved lipid profiles in hypertensive patients, with minimal side effects. Treatment choice depends on individual patient needs and tolerability.