📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Treatment of Essential Hypertension as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives:*
Adult: 10mg to 20mg of once daily at the same time each day or as prescribed by the physician.
Elderly: To be started at a low dose i.e., 5 mg and titrated upwards according to response.
⛔ Contraindications
Acute porphyria, left ventricular failure with pulmonary congestion, severe bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, uncontrolled cardiac failure.
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Cardiac failure, severe bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, 1st degree AV block, caution should be observed when Cilnidipine is administered to patients with hypotension, poor cardiac reserve and heart failure, severe liver dysfunction, or history of severe adverse effects due to calcium antagonists. Sudden withdrawal of the drug may exacerbate angina. Cilnidipine must be discontinued in patients who experience ischemic pain following administration.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Other anti hypertensives, cardiac depressants, beta-blockers, Digoxin, Cimetidine, Rifampicin, Azole antifungal agents i.e. itraconazole, miconazole, etc. Grapefruit juice
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Dizziness, flushing, headache, hypotension, peripheral edema, changes plasma concentration, impairment in fertility.
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Pregnancy Risk:
Use only if the potential benefits justify the risk.
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Not recommended.
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.