Aliskiren Study of Safety and Efficacy in Senior Hypertensives

Aliskiren 150 mg and aliskiren 300 mg tablets will be supplied centrally. These will be blinded with matching placebos for the 2 dose strengths.

Amlodipine 5 mg/10 mg will also be blinded and supplied centrally. For Aliskiren dual therapy arm , Amlodipine is in the regimen; where as for monotherapy arms, Amlodipine is an optional add-on therapy.

Ramipril 5 mg and ramipril 10 mg capsules will be supplied centrally. These will be blinded with matching placebos for the 2 dose strengths.

Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg/25 mg will be open label and supplied locally. It is an optional add-on to each arm.