Cilnidipine
About Cilnidipine
Cilnidipine belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers, used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a lifelong or chronic condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high.
Cilnidipine contains Cilnidipine, which works by relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Thereby, it helps to lower high blood pressure.
In some cases, Cilnidipine may cause side effects like headache, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea, swelling, and abdominal pain. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Do not take Cilnidipine if you are allergic to any of its components. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform the doctor if you are taking any other medications to prevent interactions. Do not discontinue Cilnidipine suddenly, as it may exacerbate angina.
Uses of Cilnidipine
• Blood Pressure Management: Cilnidipine is commonly used to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and enhancing blood flow.
• Prevention of stroke and heart attack: By controlling high blood pressure, Cilnidipine helps reduce the risk of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
• Combination Therapy: Cilnidipine can be combined with other antihypertensive medications to develop a more effective treatment plan for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled with a single drug.
• Support for Diabetic Patients: Cilnidipine is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as it manages hypertension effectively and provides protective benefits for kidney health.
Medicinal Benefits
- Cilnidipine helps reduce elevated blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure by managing blood pressure.
- Cilnidipine has a dual calcium channel-blocking effect that blocks both L-type and N-type calcium channels, which is beneficial in patients with stress-induced or nervous system-related high blood pressure.
- It has minimal side effects compared to other antihypertensive drugs.
- Cilnidipine improves overall heart health and blood circulation.
Directions for Use
- Cilnidipine can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Cilnidipine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Cilnidipine
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Oedema (swelling)
- Abdominal pain
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cilnidipine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform the doctor if you have low blood pressure, heart failure, poor cardiac reserve (inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently), liver or kidney problems, or peripheral oedema (swelling in lower limbs).
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Cilnidipine may cause dizziness; hence, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medications, including supplements or herbal products. Keep the doctor informed if you have any other health conditions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform the doctor if you are taking antiarrhythmic agent (quinidine), antiepileptic medicine (phenytoin), anti-TB drug (rifampicin), antibiotics (erythromycin), other blood pressure-lowering pills (amlodipine) and antipsychotic drugs.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Cilnidipine is contraindicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis (narrowed heart valve), cardiogenic shock (when suddenly the heart does not get enough blood supply), a recent history of unstable angina (chest pain), heart failure and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption to prevent increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionThere are no clinical data on the safety of Cilnidipine during pregnancy. So, please consult your doctor regarding the use of Cilnidipine if your pregnant or are planning to get pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is not enough clinical data on the safety of Cilnidipine during nursing. So, please consult your doctor regarding the use of Cilnidipine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionCilnidipine may cause dizziness, which could affect your ability to drive. Hence, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionThere is limited information available on the use of Cilnidipine in patients with liver disease. So, please consult the doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
cautionThere is limited information available on the use of Cilnidipine in patients with kidney disease. So, please consult the doctor if you have kidney problems.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Cilnidipine have not been established in children. Please consult the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control. Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt).
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oils like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to help lower your elevated blood pressure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and a heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure.
FAQs
Cilnidipine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
If you have missed a dose of Cilnidipine, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Cilnidipine contains Cilnidipine, which works by relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Thereby, it helps to lower high blood pressure.
Cilnidipine can be taken at anytime. Your doctor will tell you when to take Cilnidipine. Try to take it at the same time every day.
High blood pressure during pregnancy is called Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). It is harmful to both the baby and the mother. In the mother, very high blood pressure can cause seizures (fits), headache, swelling of feet, kidney damage and a higher risk of bleeding during pregnancy and during delivery. This can also affect the baby by causing abnormal fetal heart rate, risk of stillbirth and a small baby. So, during the pregnancy, you should have regular blood pressure monitoring. Visit your Obstetrician if you have any concerns related to blood pressure during pregnancy.
It is recommended to continue your medication even after your blood pressure is under control or returns to normal, as blood pressure can fluctuate at any time. You are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending on your current blood pressure readings, your doctor may lower your medication dosage.
Both medicines are used to treat high blood pressure. Studies have shown that there is a lower incidence of pedal oedema (swelling in the feet) with Cilnidipine compared to amlodipine. However, your doctor will prescribe the medicine suitable for your condition.
Side effects of Cilnidipine include nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, oedema (swelling), and flushing. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve over time. Consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Cilnidipine might be safe for patients with high blood pressure and kidney impairment. However, it is advised to consult the doctor if you have kidney problems before starting Cilnidipine.
Cilnidipine should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Limit salt intake and avoid smoking & alcohol consumption. Manage stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Cilnidipine should be swallowed as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
The safety of Cilnidipine in pregnant women has not been established. Please consult the doctor regarding the use of Cilnidipine during pregnancy.
Limit salt and foods containing saturated fats. Choose whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Include nuts, legumes and seeds in your diet.
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cilnidipine as it might cause increased dizziness.
Cilnidipine is contraindicated in conditions such as cardiogenic shock (the heart cannot pump sufficient blood), severe aortic stenosis (heart valve disease), and a recent history of unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and hypotension (low blood pressure). Inform the doctor if you have any of these conditions.
