A comparative study on clinical and biochemical parameters in amlodipine and Cilnidipine treated hypertensive patients

Introduction: Hypertension is a major health issue worldwide. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) are the most commonly used antihypertensive agents. CCBs act on voltage-dependent calcium channels and they were categorized into two subclasses, Dihydropyridine (DHP) and non-Dihydropyridine (non-DHP) derivative. Amlodipine is a third generation L-type of DHP and cilnidipine is a novel L/N-type of DHP CCB, both drugs have excellent pharmacological profiles with the unique actions. Aim: To study the clinical and biochemical profile in amlodipine and cilnidipine treated mild to moderate hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 140 mild to moderate hypertensive patients (HTN classified according to Joint National Committee-8 (JNC-8) HTN guideline), 70 were in Amlodipine group (Group-A), and other 70 patients were in Cilnidipine group (Group-B). Group-A receiving Tab Amlodac 5 mg/day and Group-B receiving Tab Cilacar 10 mg/day, and both the group receiving respective medications more than six months. Patients enrolled into the study with due consideration of eligibility criteria. Demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters were noted and compared. Results: Demographic parameters are matched, there was no significant difference seen between two study groups. Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure (SBP and DBP) showed a significant difference (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in pulse rate between the two groups, both QT/QTc showed statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The biochemical parameters like serum creatinine, albumin, globulin, total protein, serum Na⁺, fractional excretion of Na⁺, serum osmolality, vanillyl mandelic acid, were compared between two study groups, there was no significant difference seen between the two groups. Conclusion: The amlodipine and cilnidipine both are equally effective antihypertensive drugs. Cilnidipine treated group showed more reduction in blood pressure than the amlodipine treated group and there was no significant change in heart rate between the two groups. Cilnidipine group showed comparatively shortened QT/QTc interval than the amlodipine group.