Are Increased BP Levels Due To The Half Life Of Cilacar-T?

Posted on Fri, 18 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Dr : I am taking Cilacar T for my BP for the past 40 days in the morning. Earlier, I used to take INDITEL H in the morning and Amlong - 2.5 mg in the night and the same were discontinued due to the side effects of rise in Uric acid in the blood and the oedema in the legs and the Cilacar T was started. However unless I take the medicine early in the morning within 24 hours, I find my BP is 140 or 150/ 100. Why is it so? Is that something to do with half life of the drug being low as per my friend?
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,half life of clinidipine is low.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.

I have read your query and understand the concern.

Cilacar-T is a combination anti-hypertesnive drug of clinidipine (CCBs) and telmisartan (AT1 antagonist or angiotensin receptor blockers-ARBs).

Yes,plasma half life of clinidipine is approximately 3 to 4 hour and maximum effect the drug lasts up to 10 to 12 hours.

However,half life of telmisartan (T component of Cilacar-T) is around 24 hours.

So,the effect of the drug reduces after 12 hours following intake of drug which could be the reason of your blood pressure rise (140 to 150 systolic,100 diastolic) whenever you are suppose to take next dose after 24 hour.

You may consult your treating physician if there is any need of splitting of the combination drugs or to add another low dose drug in the evening time.

Write back if you need anymore clarifications.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar