The combined anti-epileptic effect of phenytoin and cilnidipine in experimentally induced convulsions in mice

Abstract

Context Cilnidipine, an N-type and L-type calcium channel blocker has been reported to have antihypertensive, renoprotective and neuroprotective effect. In this present study we evaluated anti-epileptic effect of cilnidipine in experimentally induced convulsions in Mice. Aims To evaluate the anti epileptic effect of cilnidipine Materials and Methods Cilnidipine, phenytoin sodium, 18 Albino mice weighing between 20-30 grams and Electroconvulsive meter was used. The animals were divide into three groups of 6 each, phenytoin group, Cilnidipine group and combined Phenytoin+ cilnidipine group. The onset of convulsions or their inhibition, nature of convulsions, duration of tonic hind limb extension (THLE), period of post ictal depression (when present) and recovery were observed and noted in all groups of animals and compared with the standard drug, Phenytoin Sodium. Statistical Analysis used ANOVA test was used. P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Durations of tonic hind limb extensions, clonus phase and recovery were decreased in combined Phenytoin+Cilnidipine group when compared to individual Phenytoin group. Combined group showed statistically significant decrease in duration of tonic hind limb extensions, clonus phase and recovery. Conclusion It was observed that anti-convulsant effect of combination of cilnidipine and phenytoin is superior to phenytoin alone. The combined effect was comparable to that of standard drug in electrically induced seizures