Kapidin (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Lercanidipine is used to treat hypertension, a condition characterized by chronically elevated arterial pressure.

• Essential hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, helping to achieve target levels.
• Secondary hypertension: assists in controlling blood pressure when it is caused by underlying disorders.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: lowers high systolic readings, particularly in older adults.

• Lercanidipine inhibits calcium influx through L‑type calcium channels located on vascular smooth muscle cells. By blocking these channels, it prevents calcium‑dependent contraction, leading to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, vasodilation, and a consequent reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and arterial blood pressure.

Lercanidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions, which vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring shortly after dosing.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of the ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially when standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure that may cause fainting.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic injury: signs of liver dysfunction such as jaundice.
• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, or swelling.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, or throat.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm.

Before initiating therapy with Kapidin, certain precautions should be observed.

• Blood pressure monitoring: regularly assess to ensure therapeutic response.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in patients with liver dysfunction.
• Abrupt discontinuation: avoid stopping suddenly to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Elderly patients: start at lower doses and monitor for dizziness.
• Hypersensitivity: contraindicated in individuals with known allergy to lercanidipine or related compounds.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lercanidipine can interact with several medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase plasma levels and risk of hypotension.
• Concomitant antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs): additive blood‑pressure‑lowering effect.
• Grapefruit juice: can elevate drug concentrations.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may reduce effectiveness.

• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): may blunt antihypertensive response.
• Diuretics: monitor electrolytes and blood pressure.
• Beta‑blockers: watch for excessive bradycardia.
• Digoxin: observe for signs of toxicity.