Cilnidipine
Information about Cilnidipine
Cilnidipine uses
Cilnidipine is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure).
How cilnidipine works
Cilnidipine is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.
Common side effects of cilnidipine
Fatigue, Ankle swelling, Sleepiness, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Palpitations, Edema (swelling), Abdominal pain
Content Details
Last updated on:
31 Dec 2019 | 10:31 AM (IST)
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Expert advice for Cilnidipine
- Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- A sudden drop in your blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Cilnidipine. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It can cause ankle or foot swelling. To reduce the swelling, raise your legs while you are sitting down. Talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
- It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how Cilnidipine affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Cilnidipine
Cilnidipine
Q. What is the use of Cilnidipine?
Cilnidipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medicines which block the calcium channels in the blood vessel. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in patients with high blood pressure. This widens the diameter of the blood vessels which helps the blood to pass through them more easily.
Q. Which is better amlodipine or Cilnidipine?
Both these medicines are used in the treatment of blood pressure and are equally good in effectively reducing the blood pressure. Cilnidipine has also been found to be beneficial in patients with kidney problems as compared to amlodipine. Additionally, while Amlodipine may have chances of causing mild ankle swelling, Cilnidipine has been found to have lesser chances of causing ankle swelling, tachycardia and palpitations. Your doctor will suggest either of these after seeing what suits you.
Q. What are the side effects of Cilnidipine?
Cilnidipine is generally well tolerated but sometimes can also be associated with side effects like headache, dizziness, flushing, palpitations, low blood pressure, and stomach problems. It may also cause increased urination, ankle swelling, and lethargy. These side effects are not common in everyone but may occur in some individuals. Do consult your doctor if you notice any side effects after taking this medicine.
Q. Is Cilnidipine good for patients of high blood pressure with kidney impairment?
Yes, Cilnidipine has been shown to have protective effects on the kidney cells, thereby preventing them from damage. It has also been shown to decrease protein leakage from the kidney in patients who have diabetes as well as high blood pressure.
Q. Should I take Cilnidipine in the morning or at night?
Cilnidipine can be taken anytime in the morning or evening, usually prescribed once daily. Follow the advice of your doctor. It is advised to take it at the same time each day so that you remember to take it and consistent levels of medicine are maintained in the body.
Q. How long do I need to take Cilnidipine?
You should keep on taking Cilnidipine for as long as your doctor has recommended you to take it. You may need to take it lifelong. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel well or your blood pressure is well controlled. If you stop taking Cilnidipine, your blood pressure may increase again and your condition may worsen.
Q. What changes can I make to control my blood pressure better?
Avoid eating grapefruit (chakotra) or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Cilnidipine. Take a low sodium and low fat diet, and adhere to the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor.