Cilnidipine, a novel calcium antagonist accompanied with Ltype and N-type calcium channel blocking function, is mainly used for treatment of hypertension.Due to its N-type calcium channel blocking properties, it has more advantages compared to conventional calcium channel blockers.The present investigation is aimed to formulate a pulsatile drug delivery system with a lag time of about 6 h.Core tablet was prepared by direct compression method and Croscarmellose sodium used as superdisintegrant.The core tablet was compression coated with different ratio of HPMC K4M and HPMC E50LV. 32 full factorial design was used for optimization of barrier layer.Total amount of polymer (X1) and % of HPMC K4M (X2) were selected as independent variables.The lag time (t10) and time require for release 90% of drug were selected as dependent variables.Tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, drug content and in vitro drug release.Formulation F7 containing 2% Croscarmellose sodium coated with 25% of HPMC K4M with 330 mg coat weight was considered optimum because it showed desired lag time of 6 h.