Lactitab

Indications

Lacidipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It can be used alone or together with other blood pressure medicines such as diuretics, beta blockers or ACE inhibitors.

How It Works

Lacidipine is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type. It stops calcium from entering the muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels. This relaxes and widens the arteries, so blood flows more easily and blood pressure falls. It is long acting, so it controls blood pressure over 24 hours with one daily dose.

Dosage and Administration

The usual starting dose for adults is 2 mg once a day, taken at the same time each day, preferably in the morning. If needed, after 3 to 4 weeks the doctor may increase it to 4 mg once a day, and to 6 mg if required. It can be taken with or without food, but not with grapefruit juice. Swallow the tablet with water. Keep taking it even when you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Interactions

Other blood pressure medicines, alcohol, and some antidepressants can add to the lowering of blood pressure. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir and grapefruit juice can raise Lacidipine levels, while Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin can reduce its effect. Use with care alongside medicines that affect the heart rhythm, and with Ciclosporin.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Lacidipine or other dihydropyridines (such as Amlodipine).
• Severe narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis).
• Unstable angina or a heart attack within the last month.
• Cardiogenic shock (very low blood pressure due to heart failure).

Side Effects

Common effects are headache, flushing, swelling of the ankles, dizziness, a fast or pounding heartbeat, tiredness and nausea, mostly at the start. Gum swelling and passing urine more often are less common.

Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain that is new or worse, fainting, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is not enough information on use in pregnancy; it is not usually recommended, especially near delivery, because it may relax the womb. Other blood pressure medicines are usually preferred. Avoid during breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, heart rhythm problems, a recent heart attack or liver disease. Get up slowly from lying or sitting to avoid dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive. Keep good mouth hygiene to reduce gum swelling. Do not stop suddenly without advice. It is not for children.

Overdose

Overdose may cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and a fast or slow heartbeat. Seek emergency medical help; the person should lie down with legs raised.

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.