Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Cilnidipine and Telmisartan in Hypertension: An 8 Week, Prospective Study

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common disease affecting humans throughout the world. It is an important health issue due to the associated morbidity and mortality and the cost to society. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerability of Cilnidipine and Telmisartan in patients of stage I hypertension. Methods: This study included 50 patients with stage 1 hypertension. They were divided into two groups of 25 each to receive Cilnidipine and Telmisartan. Evaluation of efficacy was made by blood pressure measurement on day 0, week 2, week 4, week 6, and week 8. The difference in blood pressure reduction in two treatment groups from baseline to 8 weeks was the main outcome measure. Any adverse drug reactions were inquired, analyzed and recorded at each visit. Results: At 8 weeks, both groups showed significant (P<0.001) reduction in B.P from baseline. Mean SBP was reduced from 153.28 ± 4.5 mm Hg to 135.5 ± 5.0 mm Hg (Cilnidipine) and 154.04 ± 3.1 mm Hg to 136.56 ± 6.7 mm Hg (Telmisartan) after 8 weeks treatment (percentage difference was 11.5%, 11.9%). Mean DBP was reduced from 93.92 ± 4.3 mm Hg to 80.6 ± 1.9 mm Hg (Cilnidipine) and 94.48 ± 3.4 mm Hg to 81.2 ± 4.04 mm Hg (Telmisartan) after 8 weeks treatment (percentage difference was 14.18%, 14.05%). Conclusion: Both the drugs were equally efficacious in reducing blood pressure. The most common adverse effect reported was headache. All adverse effects were mild and did not require any alteration or discontinuation of treatment.