lerka (LERCANIDIPINE)
What is Lerka?
Lerka is used to treat mild to moderate essential hypertension in adults. It works by blocking calcium channels, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. This medication is taken orally, usually once a day, and should be taken before meals for optimal absorption.
What is the usual dose of Lerka?
The usual daily dose for adults is 10 mg taken orally once a day, at least 15 minutes before meals. The dose may be increased to 20 mg depending on the patient's response. For children up to 18 years, the safety and efficacy of Lerka have not been established, and no data are available.
How do I take Lerka?
Lerka should be taken orally once a day, at least 15 minutes before meals. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice, as this can increase the drug's effects. Following these instructions helps ensure the medication's effectiveness and safety.
For how long do I take Lerka?
Lerka is typically used for long-term management of hypertension. The duration of use depends on the individual's condition and response to treatment, as determined by a healthcare provider.
What disease or symptom is Lerka used for?
Lerka is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension in adults. It helps manage high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which reduces the risk of complications like heart attacks and strokes.
How long does it take for Lerka to start working?
Lerka typically takes about 1.5 to 3 hours to reach peak plasma levels after oral administration. However, it may take about two weeks to observe the maximal antihypertensive effect, so patience and regular monitoring are important.
Is Lerka effective?
Lerka's effectiveness has been demonstrated in clinical trials involving patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. It has shown efficacy in lowering blood pressure, with studies indicating its prolonged antihypertensive activity due to its high membrane partition coefficient.
How do I know if Lerka is working?
The benefit of Lerka is evaluated through regular monitoring of blood pressure to ensure it effectively manages hypertension. Patients should have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to assess the medication's effectiveness and adjust the dosage if necessary.
How does Lerka work?
Lerka is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits the influx of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This action relaxes blood vessels, reducing total peripheral resistance and lowering blood pressure. Its high membrane partition coefficient allows for prolonged antihypertensive effects.
Who should avoid taking Lerka?
Lerka is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment, untreated congestive heart failure, and those with hypersensitivity to the drug. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Caution is advised for patients with sick sinus syndrome or left ventricular dysfunction.
Can I take Lerka with other prescription drugs?
Significant drug interactions include strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, which can increase Lerka's plasma levels. Co-administration with ciclosporin is also contraindicated due to increased plasma levels of both drugs. Alcohol should be avoided as it can enhance the drug's effects.
Can Lerka be taken safely while pregnant?
Lerka is not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of data on its safety. Animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects, but caution is advised as similar drugs have shown such effects. Women of childbearing potential should use contraception while on this medication.
Is Lerka safe for the elderly?
For elderly patients, no specific dosage adjustment is required, but special care should be taken when starting treatment. Monitoring is important to ensure the medication is well-tolerated and effective.
How should I store Lerka?
Lerka should be stored in its original packaging to protect it from moisture, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. This helps maintain the medication's effectiveness and safety.
Does Lerka make people tired or drowsy?
Commonly reported constitutional side effects of Lerka include dizziness and fatigue. If you experience these side effects, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest ways to manage these symptoms.
Does Lerka cause stomach upset?
Common gastrointestinal side effects of Lerka include nausea, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest ways to manage these symptoms.
Does Lerka affect sleep?
**Response:** Yes, Lerka may cause drowsiness. However, it's not clear how often this occurs. If you experience drowsiness while taking this medicine, be careful when driving or operating machinery to avoid accidents.
Does Lerka cause headaches?
Headache is a commonly reported side effect of Lerka. If you experience headaches while taking this medication, consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest ways to manage the headaches.
Does Lerka limit driving?
Lerka may cause dizziness, fatigue, or rarely, somnolence, which can affect your ability to drive. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lerka?
Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking Lerka, as it may enhance the effect of vasodilating antihypertensive drugs, potentially leading to increased side effects such as dizziness or hypotension.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Lerka?
Lerka does not specifically limit the ability to exercise. However, it can cause dizziness or fatigue, which might affect physical activity. If you experience these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for advice on managing them during exercise.
What are Lerka possible harms and risks?
Common side effects of Lerka include peripheral edema, headache, flushing, tachycardia, and palpitations. These occur in varying frequencies, with peripheral edema reported in about 0.9% of cases. Serious adverse effects are rare but can include angina pectoris and hypotension.
Available in 2 variations
Lerka 10mg Tablet
Lerka 10mg Tablet
Lercanidipine (10mg)
strip of 10 tablets
Lerka 20mg Tablet
Lerka 20mg Tablet
Lercanidipine (20mg)
strip of 10 tablets
Similar Medicines
Lercanidipine (20mg)
Lercanidipine (20mg)
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