Cardicil 5 Tablet 1 Strip

Cardicil contains Cilnidipine, a calcium-channel blocker used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and help reduce the risk of complications associated with prolonged hypertension. It may be particularly useful in certain elderly patients and in people with diabetes or albuminuria. Cilnidipine is also used in some patients with chronic kidney disease as part of blood pressure management.

Hypertension occurs when blood flows through the arteries with persistently elevated pressure. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart and damage blood vessels and other organs.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ওষুধ সেবন করুন।

Pharmacology

Cilnidipine belongs to the dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker class. It primarily blocks L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. This reduces calcium entry into the cells, causing the blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure.

Unlike many conventional dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers, cilnidipine also inhibits N-type calcium channels present in sympathetic nerve terminals. This reduces the release of norepinephrine and may help limit the reflex increase in heart rate that can occur when blood pressure falls.

Through these combined effects, cilnidipine helps lower blood pressure while potentially reducing sympathetic nervous system activation.

Uses of Cardicil

• Hypertension
• Blood pressure control in patients at risk of end-organ damage
• May be used in selected patients with diabetes and albuminuria
• May be used as part of blood pressure management in chronic kidney disease

Dosage & Administration

Adults

The usual starting dose is:

• 5–10 mg once daily, preferably after breakfast.

If required, the dose may be increased according to the patient's response.

Maximum recommended dose: 20 mg once daily.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Children

The safety and effectiveness of cilnidipine in children have not been adequately established. It should therefore be used in pediatric patients only when specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to blood-pressure lowering effects and hypotension. Treatment should generally begin with the lowest effective dose, such as 5 mg once daily, with appropriate monitoring.

Drug Interactions

Cilnidipine may interact with medicines that affect blood pressure or its metabolism, including:

• Other antihypertensive medicines
• Antipsychotic medicines that may lower blood pressure
• Quinidine
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin
• Cimetidine
• Erythromycin

Taking cilnidipine with other blood-pressure-lowering medicines may enhance the reduction in blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness or hypotension.

Always inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements you are taking.

Contraindications

Cilnidipine should not be used in patients with:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to cilnidipine or any component of the formulation
• Cardiogenic shock
• Recent myocardial infarction
• Acute unstable angina
• Severe aortic stenosis

Side Effects

Possible side effects of Cardicil include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flushing
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Swelling of the ankles or legs (peripheral edema)
• Palpitations
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Increased frequency of urination
• Tiredness or lethargy
• Eye discomfort or pain
• Depression

Contact your doctor if side effects are persistent, severe, or interfere with daily activities.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cilnidipine should not generally be used during pregnancy or in women who may be pregnant unless specifically considered necessary by a doctor.

Its safety during breastfeeding has not been adequately established. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using cilnidipine. If treatment is considered essential, the doctor may recommend discontinuing breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings

Use Cardicil cautiously in patients with:

• Significant liver dysfunction
• A previous history of serious adverse reactions to calcium-channel blockers
• A tendency toward low blood pressure

Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment, particularly when starting therapy or increasing the dose.

If treatment needs to be discontinued, the dose should generally be reduced gradually under medical supervision rather than stopped abruptly.

Therapeutic Class

Calcium-Channel Blockers

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep protected from direct light and moisture.
• Store in a dry place.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.