Benidipine also recognized as Benidipinum or Benidipine hydrochloride functions as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker for the medical intervention of high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina pectoris. While hypertension is a regular condition in which blood pressure stays unusually high (an indication of 140/90 mm Hg or more), angina pectoris is a heart disorder distinguished by outbursts of chest pain because of abridged supply of oxygen to the heart.

Drug Availability

Benidipine is sold in tablet form under the brand names like Coniel (in Japan) and Caritec (in India). Coniel tablets are marketed by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo. It is only approved for application in Japan and certain Southeast Asian nations, where it is available as 4 mg pills.

Dosage & Administration

Hypertension: Typically for adults, 2 to 4mg of Benidipine hydrochloride is administered by mouth on one occasion everyday after taking breakfast. The dosage may be modified on the basis of the age, health conditions and symptoms of the patient and can be raised up to 8 mg at one time on a daily basis if the result is not meeting requirements with 2 to 4 mg. Nevertheless, in case of serious hypertension, 4 to 8 mg of Benidipine hydrochloride is orally dispensed at one time each day after an early morning meal.

Angina Pectoris: Generally in case of grownups, 4 mg of Benidipine hydrochloride is dispensed by mouth two times every day following breakfast and supper. The amount may be altered relying upon the age and indications of the patient.

Warnings & Precautions

Benidipine tablets should be used with utmost care in case of aged patients. As the drug may induce dizziness or drowsiness, patients must not operate dangerous heavy machinery or work at elevated locations. While continuing the treatment, users should keep a close watch on their blood pressure level regularly. If you want to discontinue the treatment after a long period of time, do not stop taking Benidipine pills suddenly. Diminish the dosage gradually to avoid the risk of withdrawal symptoms.  

Drug Contraindications

Benidipine is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding a baby. There is the possibility of harm to the unborn baby or to the baby being nursed. The medication is also not advised in children.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur when taking Benidipine tablets. These include rising liver enzymes, lightheadedness, drowsiness, headache, flushing, throwing up, or feeling of irritation. If these effects sustain or deteriorate over time, bring them to the notice of your healthcare provider immediately.

Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics

In a particular clinical trial, two groups of 24 healthy participants received either a 4 or 8 mg Benidipine hydrochloride pill and 11 extra participants received a placebo to confirm the association between the plasma concentration of Benidipine and its cardiovascular outcomes.

According to the results, Benidipine attained mean peak plasma concentrations of 1·04 and 3·85 ng/mL at 0·5 and 0·75 hr after 4 and 8 mg doses, respectively. Highest cardiovascular outcomes were noticed around 2 hr subsequent to the administration of either dosage. Maximum falls in diastolic blood pressure with 4 and 8 mg of Benidipine were 7·79 and 14·75 mm Hg (millimeter of mercury), in that order, and maximum rises in heart rate were 7·32 and 17·56 beats per minute (bpm), respectively. No substantial alterations in systolic blood pressure were detected. The cardiovascular results were studied in accordance with a slow receptor-binding model.