Cilnitel 10/80 CT Tablets 30s

. What Is Cilnitel 10/80 CT and What Is It Used For?

Cilnitel 10/80 CT is a triple fixed-dose combination antihypertensive. Cilnidipine is an L/N-type calcium channel blocker that relaxes vascular smooth muscle; telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks the vasoconstricting and sodium-retaining effects of angiotensin II; and chlorthalidone is a thiazide-like diuretic that reduces plasma volume — together giving complementary blood-pressure-lowering mechanisms.

Cilnitel 10/80 CT tablets are used for hypertension in patients not adequately controlled on monotherapy or dual therapy, where three complementary mechanisms are needed to reach target blood pressure.

4. How to Take This Medicine

Adult Dose

One tablet once daily, at the same time each day, with or without food.

Ongoing Use

Do not stop abruptly without medical advice, as blood pressure can rebound.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double up.

5. Side Effects

Common Side Effects

•     Dizziness

•     Headache

•     Fatigue

•     Ankle swelling (calcium channel blocker effect)

•     Increased urination (diuretic effect)

Uncommon Side Effects

•     Hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia

•     Hyponatraemia

•     Hyperuricaemia/gout flare

•     Orthostatic hypotension

Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention

•     Significant electrolyte disturbance — muscle weakness, cramping, irregular heartbeat

•     Symptomatic hypotension — fainting, severe dizziness on standing

•     Signs of angioedema — facial/throat swelling

6. Contraindications

7. Safety Warnings and Special Precautions

•     Pregnancy: Do not use in pregnancy. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs and switch to a pregnancy-safe antihypertensive under medical guidance.

•     Electrolyte Monitoring: Monitor renal function and electrolytes (sodium, potassium) periodically, especially in the elderly or those on other potassium-affecting medicines.

•     First-Dose Hypotension: Risk of symptomatic hypotension after the first dose, particularly in volume-depleted patients — introduce cautiously in such cases.

8. Drug Interactions

•     Potassium-sparing diuretics/potassium supplements / NSAIDs: Increased hyperkalaemia risk; NSAIDs also reduce antihypertensive efficacy.

•     Lithium: Diuretic and ARB combination can raise lithium levels — monitor closely if co-prescribed.

•     ACE inhibitors / other RAAS-blocking agents: Avoid combining — added renal impairment and hyperkalaemia risk without extra benefit.

9. Storage Instructions

•     Store below 25°C, dry place.

•     Keep away from children.

10. Prescription Status in Kenya

Cilnitel 10/80 CT is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in Kenya, requiring ongoing prescriber monitoring given the triple-combination antihypertensive profile.

11. Patient Guidance

12. Pharmacist / Prescriber Notes

Confirm baseline renal function and electrolytes where possible before initiating triple therapy, and recommend periodic monitoring (urea/electrolytes) especially in elderly or diabetic patients.

Screen women of childbearing age for pregnancy risk and provide contraception counselling given ARB teratogenicity.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I take this if I'm trying to conceive?

A: No — discuss switching to a pregnancy-safe antihypertensive with your doctor first.

Q2: Will I need blood tests while on this?

A: Yes, periodic kidney function and electrolyte checks are recommended.

Q3: What if I miss a dose?

A: Take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next dose — don't double up.

Q4: Can I stop taking it once my blood pressure is normal?

A: No, stopping abruptly can cause blood pressure to rebound — only adjust under medical guidance.

Q5: Will it make me urinate more?

A: Yes, this is expected due to the diuretic component, usually most noticeable early in treatment.