Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Sartans in a Geriatric Setting: Impact of Therapeutic Interchange

Background: Therapeutic interchange is widely used in geriatric settings, such as angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists and angiotensin receptor blockers (sartans). Objective: we evaluate the clinical impact (efficacy and tolerance) of a therapeutic interchange program for noncomplicated hypertension. Method: 13 patients receiving angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors and 7 patients under sartans were followed-up during 6 months after a therapeutic interchange to a first line drug: Ramipril and valsartan, respectively. Results: all the substitutions were well tolerated and no significant difference was observed for diastolic and systolic pressure after therapeutic interchange. Conclusion: therapeutic interchange on angiotensin enzyme converting inhibitors and sartans in the context of hypertension seem safe based on our clinical data.