Kapizen (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

• Lercanidipine is used in the management of hypertension, a condition characterized by chronically elevated arterial pressure.
• Hypertension: Reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, helping to lower cardiovascular risk.
• Essential hypertension: Lowers blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: Improves systolic pressure control in elderly patients.

• Lercanidipine antagonizes L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, inhibiting calcium influx. This causes relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation, reduced peripheral vascular resistance, and consequently a decrease in systemic blood pressure.

Lercanidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: Mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Flushing: Warm sensation and reddening of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: Swelling, usually of the ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Tachycardia or palpitations.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: Marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical attention.
• Angioedema: Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Hepatic dysfunction: Elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Myocardial infarction: Rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Allergic reactions: Rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.

• When prescribing lercanidipine, clinicians should consider several safety measures.
• Blood pressure monitoring: Check regularly to assess therapeutic response and avoid excessive hypotension.
• Liver function: Evaluate hepatic enzymes before initiating therapy and periodically during treatment.
• Elderly patients: Start at low dose and monitor for edema and dizziness.
• Concomitant antihypertensives: Adjust doses to prevent additive blood pressure lowering.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Use only if clearly needed after risk‑benefit assessment.
• Store at room temperature: Keep in original container, protect from moisture and light.

Lercanidipine can interact with other medicines, influencing its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): May increase plasma levels and risk of hypotension.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): May reduce drug exposure and effectiveness.
• Concomitant use with other potent antihypertensives (e.g., clonidine, nitroglycerin): May cause additive hypotensive effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Grapefruit juice: Can increase lercanidipine exposure; advise moderation.
• Diuretics: May enhance antihypertensive effect and alter electrolytes; monitor renal function.
• Beta‑blockers: May increase risk of bradycardia; observe heart rate.