Study Comparing the Efficacy of Amlodipine Besylate/Benazepril Versus Amlodipine in the Treatment of Severe Hypertension

A 6-Week Multi-center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group Study Comparing the Efficacy of Amlodipine Besylate/Benazepril Versus Amlodipine in the Treatment of Severe Hypertension

This trial is designed to study the efficacy of an amlodipine besylate/benazepril treatment regimen versus an amlodipine treatment regimen in the treatment of severe hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of severe hypertension

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 60 mm Hg
• Serum potassium < 3.5 or > 5.5 mEq/L in the absence of all potassium supplements
• Refractory hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 180 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg and unresponsive to triple-drug regimens

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.