Cilnidipine

It is a DHP calcium-channel blocker. By decreasing calcium influx in vascular smooth muscles, it cause vasodilation.

Indications

Hypertension.

Dosage

Oral 5 - 10mg once daily. The maximum dosage should not exceed 20 mg per day and is recommended only when it is required.

Contra-Indications

Shock, angina, severe aortic stenosis.

Special Precautions

Hypotension, poor cardiac reserve, heart failure. Sudden withdrawal may exacerbate angina. Discontinue in patients who experience ischemic pain following administration. Pregnancy, lactation.

Side Effects

Dizziness, flushing, headache, hypotension, peripheral oedema, tachycardia, palpitations. GI disturbances, increase micturition frequency lethargy, eye pain, depression, ischaemic chest pain, cerebral or myocardial ischaemia, transient blindness, rashes, fever, abnormal liver function, gingival hyperplasia, myalgia, tremor, impotence.

Drug Interactions

Other antihypertensives, cimetidine, rifampicin, erythromycin.