A Comparison between the Efficacies of Amlodipine & Cilnidipine among Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Calcium channel blockers (CCB) play a vital role in the management and control of hypertension.  Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker is frequently used for its strong antihypertensive and minimal adverse side effects in hypertensive patients. On the other hand, Cilnidipine, another new generation CCB (Calcium channel blocker) is considered for ensuring lesser edema (Pedal) with satisfactory control of hypertension by negligible side effects. But we have very few research-based comparative information regarding the efficacies of Amlodipine and Cilnidipine in treating hypertensive patients.  Aim of the study: The study aimed to compare the efficacies of Amlodipine and Cilnidipine in treating hypertensive patients. Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. June 2021 to November 2021. In this study, in total 60 hypertensive patients were selected as the study people. The standard mercury sphygmomanometer was used to measure the blood pressure of the patients. All the patients were divided into two groups, by 30 patients in each group. The first group comprised of patients, taken amlodipine 5-10 mg/day while the other group included patients, taken cilnidipine 10–20 mg/day orally as the treatment protocol for hypertension. The mean values of SBP (Systolic blood pressure) and DBP (Diastolic blood pressure) during check-up were recorded and assessed. Data were processed, analyzed and disseminated by MS Office and SPSS programs as per need. Results: In this study, at 2-, 4- and 8-week’s follow-ups, we did not find any significant difference between both group patient’s SBP readings where the p values were found as 0.517, 0.705 and 0.517 respectively. Besides these, at 2-, 4- and 8-week’s follow-ups, we did not also find any significant difference between both group patient’s SBP readings where the p values were found as 0.673, 0.201 and 0.614 respectively. After 8 week’s treatment, the mean pulse rates were found 74.96 in Amlodipine group whereas it was found as 75.47 in Cilnidipine group at the same time. In analyzing the incidences of pedal edema among both group participants we found pedal edema among 43% patients in Amlodipine group whereas it was found in only 7% in Cilnidipine group. Conclusion: As per the findings of this study, it can be concluded that, Amlodipine is more effective in controlling blood pressure than Cilnidipine. But considering the possible pedal edema, Cilnidipine is safer than amlodipine as an antihypertensive CCB.