Cilnidipine

Blood pressure medicine (calcium channel blocker)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Cilnidipine is a blood pressure medicine (calcium channel blocker) found in 17 medicines sold in India, such as Cilacar 10, Cilacar 5, Cilacar 20. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood pressure, with less ankle swelling than some similar drugs.

How it works

A calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure and causes less ankle swelling than amlodipine; popular in India.

How to take it

Usually 5 to 20 mg once a day after breakfast.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations

Get medical help straight away if

  • Fainting
  • Chest pain

Be careful

Can cause dizziness or flushing.

Other medicines and interactions

Grapefruit juice and azole antifungals can raise levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Generally avoided in pregnancy unless the doctor decides it is the best choice; nifedipine is the calcium channel blocker most often used. Small amounts pass into breast milk; ask your doctor.

Brands of Cilnidipine (16)

Cetanil 10Cilacar 10Cilacar 20Cilacar 5Cilaheart-10Cilidin 10Cilnipine 10Cilny 10Cilogard 10Cinod-10Dilnip 10Lnbloc 10Nexovas 10Nulong 10Rancil 10Twincal-10

Combination medicines that contain Cilnidipine (1)

Cilacar-T 10/40

Common questions

What is Cilnidipine used for?

Lowers blood pressure, with less ankle swelling than some similar drugs.

How does Cilnidipine work?

A calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure and causes less ankle swelling than amlodipine; popular in India.

How should I take Cilnidipine?

Usually 5 to 20 mg once a day after breakfast.

What are the side effects of Cilnidipine?

Common: Headache, flushing, dizziness, palpitations. Get help straight away for: Fainting, chest pain.

Does Cilnidipine interact with other medicines?

Grapefruit juice and azole antifungals can raise levels.

Is Cilnidipine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Generally avoided in pregnancy unless the doctor decides it is the best choice; nifedipine is the calcium channel blocker most often used. Small amounts pass into breast milk; ask your doctor.

Does Cilnidipine need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Cilnidipine?

Cetanil 10, Cilacar 10, Cilacar 20, Cilacar 5, Cilacar-T 10/40, Cilaheart-10, Cilidin 10, Cilnipine 10, Cilny 10, Cilogard 10, Cinod-10, Dilnip 10, Lnbloc 10, Nexovas 10, Nulong 10, Rancil 10, Twincal-10.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.