Dipical

Indications

Lercanidipine Hydrochloride is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney damage. It can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines.

How It Works

Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type. It stops calcium from entering the muscle cells in the walls of the arteries. This relaxes and widens the blood vessels, so blood flows more easily and blood pressure falls. It acts gradually and lasts all day, so it is taken once daily.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 10 mg once a day, which may be increased to 20 mg once a day after at least 2 weeks if needed, as prescribed. Take it at least 15 minutes before a meal, preferably in the morning, with water. Do not take it with grapefruit juice. Keep taking it even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Interactions

Do not take with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Erythromycin or Clarithromycin, or with Cyclosporine, as levels rise sharply. Grapefruit juice also raises its levels. Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin may reduce its effect. It may raise Simvastatin and Digoxin levels. Other blood pressure medicines, alcohol and some antidepressants can add to the blood pressure lowering effect.

Contraindications

Do not take if you are allergic to Lercanidipine or other dihydropyridines, or have narrowing of the aortic valve, uncontrolled heart failure, unstable angina, a heart attack within the last month, severe liver or kidney disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, flushing, ankle or leg swelling, dizziness, fast heartbeat (palpitations) and tiredness. Less often: nausea, indigestion, rash, muscle pain and passing more urine.

Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain or chest pain that becomes worse or more frequent, fainting, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Lercanidipine should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women who could become pregnant should use reliable contraception and tell their doctor if they plan a pregnancy, so the medicine can be changed.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with caution in mild to moderate liver or kidney disease, heart rhythm problems or if you have a pacemaker. Dizziness may occur, especially at the start; take care when driving. Do not stop suddenly without advice. Regular blood pressure checks are recommended.

Overdose

Overdose can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and a fast or slow heartbeat. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Antihypertensive (dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.