Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 5/17/2007

Question
Respected Sir,

In India, various drug combinations are available for the dose convenience like AMLOPRESS AT ( atenolol 50 + amlodipine ) LOSAR BETA ( LOSARTAN 50 + ATENOLOL 50 ) and the like. But I notice that in US or UK, drugs are available in single that is no combination available except HYZAAR or AVALIDE. What is the exact position whether to continue taking combination or to take it individually i.e atenolol separately and amlodepine separately. In that event number of pills will be more. Is the drug combination like the one I quoted irrational. I need your guidance.

Answer
Hi Harsvadan,
The question of irrational drug combinations has been debated repeatedly at the National Drug Advisory Board and the Drug Consultative Committee. An organisation called Society for Rational Drug use has been working on trying to rid the country of such drugs.
Abroad unless the combinattion has been clinicall tested and proved to be superior to single drugs the combination is not allowed. In India the combination is allowed if the manufacturer can convince the authorities to grant a licence.
I agree with you totally, there are many combiantions that are illogical, but there is hope because the drug authorities are examining each combiantion with care.
Ravi Ghooi