The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI), scaled up under NP-NCD, uses a simple protocol-driven approach at primary health centres. Which drug combination forms the recommended first-line fixed-dose combination in the IHCI protocol?

• A Atenolol plus hydrochlorothiazide
• B Ramipril plus metoprolol
• C Losartan plus furosemide
• D Amlodipine plus telmisartan ✓

Explanation

The IHCI standard treatment protocol uses a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker combined with an angiotensin receptor blocker, specifically amlodipine plus telmisartan, as the first-line fixed-dose combination, with stepwise titration before adding a third agent. Beta-blockers such as atenolol are not first-line for uncomplicated hypertension, and thiazide-like diuretics are added later in the algorithm rather than initiating therapy.

Reference: India Hypertension Control Initiative Standard Treatment Protocol, MoHFW, 2nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.