Lercanidipine
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Lercanidipine
Summary
Lercanidipine is used to treat mild to moderate essential hypertension, which is high blood pressure, in adults.
Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This relaxes blood vessels, reducing resistance and lowering blood pressure.
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.
Common side effects of Lercanidipine include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain. Peripheral edema, flushing, and palpitations can also occur.
Lercanidipine should not be used by people with severe liver or kidney impairment, untreated congestive heart failure, or hypersensitivity to the drug. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and women of childbearing potential should use contraception while on this medication.
Indications and Purpose
How does Lercanidipine work?
Lercanidipine 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.
Is Lercanidipine effective?
Lercanidipine'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.
What is Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine 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.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine 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.
How do I take Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine 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.
How long does it take for Lercanidipine to start working?
Lercanidipine 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.
How should I store Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine 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.
What is the usual dose of Lercanidipine?
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 lercanidipine have not been established, and no data are available.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Lercanidipine with other prescription drugs?
Significant drug interactions include strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, which can increase lercanidipine'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 Lercanidipine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is unknown whether lercanidipine is excreted in human milk, and a risk to newborns cannot be excluded. Therefore, it is advised not to use lercanidipine while breastfeeding to avoid potential harm to the infant.
Can Lercanidipine be taken safely while pregnant?
Lercanidipine 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 it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lercanidipine?
Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking lercanidipine, 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 Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine 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.
Is Lercanidipine 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.
Who should avoid taking Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine 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.
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