It belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers, which are primarily taken for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a lifelong or chronic condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high. The higher this blood pressure, the harder the heart has to pump.�
Cilnidipine 10mg Tablets contain cilnidipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to the dihydropyridine group of calcium channel blockers and works by relaxing blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart.
Cilnidipine 10mg Tablets contain the active ingredient cilnidipine, which belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers, specifically the dihydropyridine subgroup. Unlike some calcium channel blockers that act on only one type of calcium channel, cilnidipine acts on both L-type and N-type calcium channels.
In treatment, cilnidipine plays a role in relaxing blood vessels and reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, contributing to sustained blood pressure control. It may be used alone or alongside other blood pressure medicines, with the dose depending on the severity of the condition being treated.
Cilnidipine 10mg may be prescribed to:
Treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and its associated vascular effects
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health needs.
Cilnidipine works by blocking calcium channels involved in controlling the tone of blood vessels. By blocking L-type calcium channels in the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls, it causes the vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure. Cilnidipine also blocks N-type calcium channels found in nerve endings, reducing the release of substances that would otherwise narrow blood vessels further, which may help produce a steadier blood pressure-lowering effect with less reflex increase in heart rate compared with some other calcium channel blockers.
The onset of action is generally reported as delayed compared with some other calcium channel blockers, and consistent daily use is needed to maintain blood pressure control. Individual response can vary.
Take Cilnidipine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Usually taken once daily, though your doctor may prescribe it twice daily depending on your condition
Can be taken with or without food
Take at the same time each day to help maintain a consistent level in your body
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it may increase the risk of side effects
Do not stop or change your dose without medical advice, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms and stopping treatment may allow it to rise again unnoticed
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one missed.
Before taking Cilnidipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use.
Caution may be needed if you have, or have had:
Liver or kidney problems
Severe low blood pressure or unstable blood pressure
Fluid retention (oedema) or congestive heart failure
Narrowing of the heart valves or other serious structural heart problems
Cilnidipine may interact with other blood pressure medicines, and its levels in the blood may be affected by grapefruit juice and certain medicines that alter liver enzyme activity. It is important to check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
Cilnidipine is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as safety data in pregnant women are limited. Information on its use during breastfeeding is also limited.
Recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.
Like all medicines, Cilnidipine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects may include:
Headache
Dizziness or drowsiness
Flushing
Swelling of the ankles or feet
Tiredness
Nausea or stomach upset
Skin rash
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, significant swelling, fainting, or a marked drop in blood pressure with dizziness or lightheadedness.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Cilnidipine according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep in the original packaging
Protect from moisture and direct light
Keep out of reach and sight of children
Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging
Cilnidipine blocks both L-type and N-type calcium channels, while medicines like amlodipine act only on L-type channels, which is linked to a different side-effect profile.
Cilnidipine is associated with a lower incidence of ankle swelling compared with calcium channel blockers that act only on L-type channels, though swelling can still occur in some patients.
It has a gradual onset of action, and its blood-pressure-lowering effect is generally evaluated after a few weeks of regular use.
It's sometimes considered for patients who've experienced ankle swelling with other calcium channel blockers, but this decision should be made by your doctor.
It's generally taken once daily due to its long duration of action, though your doctor's specific instructions should be followed.
Yes, it's often used alongside other antihypertensives, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, when blood pressure isn't controlled by one medicine alone.
