Expert perspectives and practices on the clinical use of cilnidipine + telmisartan in the management of hypertension with comorbid diabetes in Indian settings

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinician’s preferences and practices regarding the use of cilnidipine and telmisartan combination therapy in the management of hypertension and comorbid diabetes in Indian settings. Methodology: The cross-sectional study consisted of a 24-item, multiple-response questionnaire-based survey, gathering expert opinion on current practices, clinical observations, and experiences related to the use of combination therapy of cilnidipine and telmisartan in routine Indian settings for managing hypertension. The survey respondents were specialists with expertise in managing hypertension. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The survey involved 533 clinicians of which the majority (63.2%) reported that the cilnidipine + telmisartan combination reduces blood pressure (BP), has a cardioprotective effect, attenuates high blood glucose levels, and offers vasoprotection. Most clinicians (91.2%) indicated that cilnidipine was the most commonly used calcium channel blocker (CCB) for patients with hypertension and diabetes, and 73% reported telmisartan as the preferred combination for diabetic hypertension. Additionally, 91% favored cilnidipine as the preferred CCB with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for managing hypertensive patients with renal comorbidities. About 76% recommended cilnidipine + telmisartan for diabetic hypertensive patients. Reduction in pedal edema was noted as a benefit of this combination by 40% of clinicians. A significant majority (67.2%) of the experts considered the combination excellent for BP management and cardioprotection. As reported by 81% of the respondents, factors improving patient outcomes included smoking cessation, exercise, a healthy salt-restricted diet, and medication compliance. Conclusion: The survey corroborated the increased preference among clinicians for the combination of cilnidipine and telmisartan in managing hypertension in patients with both diabetes and renal conditions. The survey findings also highlighted its beneficial effects, including effective lowering of blood pressure, regulation of blood glucose levels, and cardioprotective and vasoprotective effects.