Generic
Lercanidipine Hydrochloride
4 brands available in the market
At a glance
Lercanidipine Hydrochloride is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class which helps relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure and the workload of the heart.
Description
Lercanidipine is a selective calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine group that inhibits transmembrane influx of calcium into vascular smooth muscle. Its antihypertensive action is due to a direct relaxant effect on vascular smooth muscle, lowering total peripheral resistance. Lercanidipine has no negative inotropic effects due to its high vascular selectivity and has prolonged antihypertensive activity due to its high membrane partition coefficient.
Indications
- Mild to moderate essential hypertension
Therapeutic class
Calcium Channel Blockers
Pharmacological class
Dihydropyridine Calcium Antagonist
Pharmacology
Lercanidipine is a selective calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and reducing total peripheral resistance.
Mechanism of action
Relaxes vascular smooth muscle to reduce peripheral resistance and lower blood pressure.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Initial: 10 mg once daily (on an empty stomach, at least 15 minutes before meals)
- May increase to 20 mg daily after 2 weeks if needed
- Elderly: 10 mg once daily, may increase to 20 mg
- Caution in mild-moderate renal/hepatic dysfunction; doses above 20 mg daily require caution
- Not recommended in severe hepatic/renal dysfunction
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take on an empty stomach (at least 15 minutes before food)
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Edema
- Fatigue
- Flushing (sense of warmth in face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Asthenia
- Dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, diarrhea
Precautions & warnings
- Blood pressure may drop suddenly, especially when first starting; rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
- For ankle or foot swelling, elevate legs while sitting
- Avoid driving or activities requiring concentration if you experience dizziness
- Caution in patients with sick sinus syndrome, left ventricular dysfunction, and ischemic heart disease
- Consult your doctor during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
- Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
- Untreated congestive heart failure
- Unstable angina pectoris
- Within 1 month of myocardial infarction
- Hypersensitivity to any dihydropyridine
- Severe hepatic or renal impairment
- Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
- CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine): Decrease plasma concentration
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (imidazole antifungals, erythromycin, ritonavir, fluoxetine): Increase plasma concentration
- Significantly increased plasma levels with cyclosporine (potentially fatal)
- Alcohol may potentiate vasodilating effect
- Do not take with grapefruit juice
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Lercanidipine (alcohol may potentiate vasodilating effect).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Lercanidipine may be unsafe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. Consult your doctor.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Lercanidipine is probably unsafe during breastfeeding; may pass into breast milk. Should not be administered to nursing mothers.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children (under 18 years).
Geriatric use
Dose established for elderly: 10 mg once daily, may increase to 20 mg if needed.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Mild-moderate: dose reduction may be needed; severe (CrCl <12 mL/min): avoid.
Hepatic Impairment: Mild-moderate: caution; severe: not recommended.
Overdose effects
No overdose data available; excessive peripheral vasodilation with marked hypotension and reflex tachycardia may occur. Dialysis is not effective.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Lercanidipine Hydrochloride