Zanidip Dosage/Direction for Use

Posology: The recommended dosage is 10mg orally once a day at least 15 minutes before meals; the dose may be increased to 20mg depending on the individual patient's response. Dose titration should be gradual, because it may take about 2 weeks before the maximal antihypertensive effect is apparent. Some individuals, not adequately controlled on a single antihypertensive agent, may benefit from the addition of ZANIDIP to therapy with a beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug (atenolol), a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) or an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril or enalapril).
Since the dose-response curve is steep with a plateau at doses between 20-30mg, it is unlikely that efficacy will be improved by higher doses; whereas side effects may increase.
Use in elderly: although the pharmacokinetic data and clinical experience suggest that no adjustment of the daily dosage is required, special care should be exercised when initiating treatment in the elderly.
Use in children: Not recommended since there is no clinical experience in patients under the age of 18 years.
Use in renal/hepatic dysfunction: special care should be exercised when treatment is commenced in patients with mild to moderate renal or hepatic dysfunction. Caution is necessary when increasing the daily dose to 20mg. The antihypertensive effect may be enhanced in patients with hepatic impairment and consequently an adjustment of the dosage should be considered. ZANIDIP is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment (GFR<30ml/min).