Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone
About
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone belongs to the class of medications called ‘antihypertensives’ used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is a lifelong condition in which there is a persistent rise in blood pressure. The rise in blood pressure occurs when the force exerted by the blood against the blood vessel (arteries wall) increases. The higher this blood pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. As a result, it leads to heart diseases, irregular heartbeat, and other complications.
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone is a combination of two medicines: Cilnidipine and Chlorthalidone. Cilnidipine blocks the calcium channels present in the blood vessels of the heart. This effect widens the blood vessels lowering the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. It decreases the workload on the heart. It also reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic or water pill. It acts by getting rid of excess water and salts in the body by increasing urination, thereby reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce edema (fluid buildup) and swelling associated with hypertension.
You should take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone are low blood pressure (feeling light-headed), dizziness, headache, palpitations (racing or pounding heart), increased frequency of urination, lethargy (lack of energy), peripheral edema (swelling of legs/hands), flushing (skin reddening), rash, impotence (erectile dysfunction), and gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth). Inform your doctor if any of these side-effects persist or get worsen.
Do not take Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone if you are allergic to Chlorthalidone, Cilnidipine, or any other ingredients present in it. Do not take Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone if you are unable to urinate or allergic to sulfa drugs. Before taking Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone, inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, gout (a type of arthritis), high cholesterol, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart), or if you are on a low-salt diet. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone
Medicinal Benefits
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone is a combination of two medicines: Cilnidipine and Chlorthalidone. Cilnidipine blocks the calcium channels present in the blood vessels of the heart. This effect widens the blood vessels lowering the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. It decreases the workload on the heart. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic or water pill. It acts by getting rid of excess water and salts in the body by increasing urination, thereby reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce edema (fluid buildup) and swelling associated with hypertension. Together, Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone can effectively reduce the blood pressure and the complications associated with this condition such as heart attack.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone
- Low blood pressure (feeling light-headed)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Palpitations (racing or pounding heart)
- Increased frequency of urination
- Lethargy (lack of energy)
- Peripheral oedema (swelling of legs/hands)
- Flushing (skin reddening)
- Rash
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may cause electrolyte imbalances (low levels of potassium, sodium, or magnesium in your blood). So, consult your doctor immediately if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, as Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone used in this condition may lead to severe dehydration. Your doctor may perform blood and urine tests to monitor electrolyte levels. Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may cause dizziness, so avoid rising up too fast from a sitting or lying position. Stay hydrated and avoid hot weather as Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone increases the frequency of urination. Do not stop taking Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone abruptly, as it may increase the risk of a heart attack.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may interact with other blood pressure-lowering medications, anticancer drug (aldesleukin), a medication used to treat arrhythmias (quinidine), antiepileptic medicine (phenytoin), antitubercular drug (rifampicin), an antibiotic (erythromycin), steroids, a medication used to treat diabetes (insulin), other oral diabetes medicines, anti-psychotic drug (lithium), and a medication used to treat heart failure (digoxin).
Drug-food interactions: You are recommended to avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of side-effects.
Drug-disease interactions: Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone is not recommended for use in patients with nil urine output (anuria). It should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, gout (a type of arthritis), high cholesterol, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), and cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may worsen the condition by increasing the risk of side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is no sufficient evidence to claim that Cilnidipine can be used safely during pregnancy. On the other hand, Chlorthalidone may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), low blood sugar, and bruising in newborn babies when used in pregnant women. So, use Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone with caution in pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
cautionCilnidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers as this medicine may suppress lactation and also may get excreted in the breast milk.
Driving
cautionCilnidipine+chlorthalidone may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Liver
cautionCilnidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCilnidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases as this medicine can cause electrolyte disturbances. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionCilnidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in children below 12 years of age. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor based on your age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help you to lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
- If you are taking alcohol, then only one serving for women and two servings for men is advisable.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, immediately contact your doctor.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of electrolytes, as chlorthalidone in Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may affect the electrolyte levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg and, diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone is a combination of two medicines: Cilnidipine and Chlorthalidone. CIlnidipine blocks the calcium channels in the heart, widens the blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure. On the other hand, Chlorthalidone reduces blood pressure by expelling excess water and salts from the body through urine.
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may cause impotence (erectile dysfunction) as the blood flow to the penis decreases. If you experience erectile dysfunction during the use of Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone, inform your doctor immediately.
You are recommended to take this medicine for a duration as intended by your doctor. High blood pressure is a life-long condition, and you should not abruptly discontinue the medicine without discussing it with your doctor.
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may affect your blood sugar levels. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor before taking Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone to know the possible risks of this medicine.
Cilnidipine+chlorthalidone may affect cholesterol levels in the blood as this medicine may cause an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
