Lacidipine Teva (Lacidipine)

Lacidipine belongs to the calcium‑channel blocker class and is used to manage high‑blood‑pressure conditions.

• Essential hypertension: lowers systolic and diastolic pressure, reducing risk of cardiovascular events.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: specifically targets elevated systolic values in older patients.
• Secondary hypertension: assists in controlling blood pressure when caused by identifiable underlying disorders.

• Lacidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. By blocking calcium influx, it prevents contraction of arterial smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, which ultimately lowers systemic blood pressure.

Lacidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring early in therapy.
• 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 quickly.
• Nausea: mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate without accompanying arrhythmia.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure that may cause fainting.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring urgent care.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes indicating possible liver injury.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Life‑threatening arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm that can be fatal.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.

Before prescribing Lacidipine, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Monitor blood pressure: ensure adequate control without excessive lowering.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: taper dose to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Caution in hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be required.
• Use with caution in elderly patients: increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects.
• Avoid concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: may raise Lacidipine plasma levels.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lacidipine can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): increase Lacidipine exposure.
• Grapefruit juice: can markedly raise plasma concentrations.
• Other potent antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs) used together may cause additive hypotension.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may reduce therapeutic effect.

• Diuretics: may enhance blood‑pressure‑lowering effect, requiring dose adjustment.
• Beta‑blockers: combined use may increase risk of bradycardia or excessive blood pressure reduction.