Uses of Benidipine

Benidipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat renal parenchymal hypertension (high blood pressure in the kidneys caused due to kidney problems) and angina pectoris.     

Therapeutic Category

Benidipine: Anti-hypertensive agents (Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker)

How Benidipine works

Benidipine reduces blood pressure and chest pain, where it acts by relaxing the blood vessels supplying the heart. As a result, it improves blood flow to the heart which therefore reduces the pressure on the heart, thus making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. It also improves oxygen supply to the heart, which therefore reduces ischemic symptoms (such as chest pain and heaviness) associated with angina. It can also relax the blood vessels supplying the kidneys which therefore reduces pressure within the kidneys and prevents further kidney damage. 

Common side effects of Benidipine

• fast heartbeat
• dizziness, headache
• skin rash and itching
• sensitivity to sunlight
• gynecomastia (enlargement of breast in men)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• signs of liver problems (such as generalized tiredness, weakness, yellowish discolouration of the skin and the whites of the eyes accompanied with loss of appetite)
  

Health Tips for Benidipine

• Maintain a low-sodium, saturated-fat, and cholesterol-containing diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins. The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet is an example of a blood pressure-lowering diet
• Exercise on a regular basis, as directed by your healthcare physician. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week or 75 minutes of strenuous exercise. Exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health overall
• Losing weight can have a major impact on blood pressure readings if you are overweight or obese. Even a small weight decrease can benefit blood pressure and overall health
• If you smoke, you should think about quitting because it can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Limit your alcohol consumption because excessive drinking can raise your blood pressure
• Benidipine should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or discontinue medicine without first checking with your doctor