Cinekar 10

Indications

Cilnidipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines.

How It Works

It is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes and widens blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the muscle cells in their walls, which lowers blood pressure. It also acts on certain nerve endings (N-type calcium channels), which may explain why it causes less ankle swelling and less rise in heart rate than some similar medicines.

Dosage and Administration

Adults: usually 5 to 10 mg once a day after breakfast. The doctor may increase it to 20 mg once a day if needed. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Take it at the same time each day and keep taking it even when you feel well. Not for children.

Interactions

Other blood pressure medicines, alcohol and some antidepressants can make blood pressure drop too far. Medicines such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin and some HIV medicines, as well as grapefruit juice, can raise Cilnidipine levels. Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin can lower its effect. It may raise Digoxin levels.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Cilnidipine or other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as Amlodipine).
• Shock caused by heart failure, or severe narrowing of the aortic valve.
• Pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common: headache, flushing, dizziness, palpitations and feeling hot. Less common: ankle swelling, tiredness, stomach upset, frequent urination, and changes in liver tests.

Get urgent medical help if you faint, have chest pain or chest pain that gets worse, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use in pregnancy; tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy so a safer medicine can be chosen. Avoid while breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care in people with liver disease, severe heart disease or a recent heart attack, and in older people. It may cause dizziness, especially at the start, so take care when driving or standing up quickly. Do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Overdose

Overdose can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and a fast or slow heartbeat. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine), antihypertensive.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.