Cilnidipine
Introduction To Cilnidipine
Cilnidipine treats hypertension (high blood pressure) and prevents heart attack and stroke. It is also given for conditions such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease and angina. This tablet contains cilnidipine, a 4th generation calcium channel blocker, which works by widening blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. It helps relieve symptoms of hypertension and improves how well the heart pumps blood.
Cilnidipine should be taken as advised by your doctor. You can take it once a day with or without food. Depending on your medical condition, you might be prescribed this medicine in combination with other antihypertensive agents. To prevent adverse effects, take it precisely as per your doctor’s instructions.
Side effects of Cilnidipine include nausea, headache, edema, diarrhoea, slight weakness, and flushing. They typically last for a short period and usually go away on their own. Contact your healthcare provider if the problems persist or worsen.
Before taking Cilnidipine , discuss with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: aortic stenosis, unstable angina, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, liver diseases, kidney failures or hypersensitivity (allergy) to calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and cilnidipine. Generally, this drug is considered safe for most people.
Uses of Cilnidipine
Cilnidipine is an antihypertensive that reduces blood pressure. It is used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. This medicine is prescribed for conditions such as heart failure (heart unable to pump blood properly), chronic kidney disease and angina (reduced blood flow to the heart resulting in chest pain).
Cilnidipine contains cilnidipine, a calcium channel blocker that effectively lowers blood pressure. Hypertension (High blood pressure), when not treated, can cause damage to vital organs like the brain, heart and kidneys. Cilnidipine prevents this damage and reduces the chances of heart complications like stroke (blockage or reduction of the blood supply to the brain) and coronary artery disease (buildup of plaque in the vessels that supply blood to the heart) in the elderly population.
How Cilnidipine works
Cilnidipine contains cilnidipine, which belongs to a class of antihypertensives called dihydropyridine calcium antagonists aka calcium channel blockers. It blocks calcium making the blood vessels relax and widen, which improves blood flow and decreases pressure.
Cilnidipine acts on two calcium channels to exert its effect: L-type calcium channels present in the blood vessels and N-type calcium channels present in the nerves. It works by blocking the entry of calcium ions into the smooth muscles of the heart and blood vessels. When calcium ions do not enter, the smooth muscles fail to contract. This results in the blood vessels widening, lowering the blood pressure.
Dosage
Cilnidipine should be taken as advised by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you might be prescribed this medicine in combination with other antihypertensive agents. To prevent adverse effects, take it precisely as per your doctor’s instructions.
Swallow the tablet whole with water instead of chewing or crushing it for the best results. You may take cilnidipine before or after food. The usual dosage of the medicines varies from 5 mg to 10 mg. A dose of up to 20 mg may be prescribed for severe conditions.
If you forget to take this medication, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, ignore the one you missed and continue with the next. To compensate for a missed dose, avoid taking twice the amount.
Taking more than the recommended dose can result in intoxication and overdose. Common symptoms of cilnidipine overdose include breathing difficulty, agitation and delirium (confused thinking). Stop taking medicine and visit the nearest hospital immediately.
Safety Advice
Before taking Cilnidipine , discuss with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, liver diseases, kidney failures or hypersensitivity (allergy) to calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and cilnidipine. Generally, this drug is considered safe for most people.
PregnancyConsult doctor
Can I take Cilnidipine if I’m pregnant?
BreastfeedingConsult doctor
Can I take Cilnidipine if I’m breastfeeding?
AlcoholCaution
Is drinking alcohol while taking Cilnidipine safe?
DrivingUnsafe
Can I drive after taking Cilnidipine ?
Drug interactions
Drug-Food interaction
Consumption of alcohol while taking Cilnidipine may cause dizziness and lower blood pressure. It is best to avoid grapefruit juice as it may cause an increased concentration of the medicine in the blood.
Drug-Disease interaction
Cilnidipine might be contraindicated (unsafe) for people with aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, liver diseases, unstable angina, kidney failures or hypersensitivity (allergy) to calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine and cilnidipine.
Drug-Drug interaction
Consult your doctor if you are currently taking the following medicines: Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin), statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), anti-tuberculosis drug (Rifampicin), acidity lowering drugs (cimetidine).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Carbamazepine Phenytoin Atorvastatin Lovastatin Simvastatin Cyclosporine Rifampicin Cimetidine
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Cilnidipine used for?
Cilnidipine is used for lowering blood pressure. It contains cilnidipine, an antihypertensive medicine that treats hypertension and prevents strokes and heart attacks.
Q. Should I take Cilnidipine before or after food?
Cilnidipine can be taken before or after your meals. Drink plenty of water and try to take the tablet as a whole. Follow your doctor’s prescription for the best results.
Q. What are the side effects of Cilnidipine ?
The common side effects of Cilnidipine include nausea, headache, edema, diarrhoea, slight weakness, and flushing. Contact your doctor if they worsen or persist.
Q. Is Cilnidipine a steroid?
No, Cilnidipine is not a steroid medication. It contains cilnidipine, a calcium channel blocker, which works to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
Q. Is amlodipine better than cilnidipine?
Both are equally good at treating hypertension, but cilnidipine is preferred to amlodipine in some cases because it has a lower incidence rate of pedal edema (swelling of the feet).
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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