Lercanidipin-Hcl Teva (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

• Lercanidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium‑channel blocker indicated for the management of high‑blood‑pressure conditions.
• Essential hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: provides effective control of elevated systolic pressure, especially in older adults.
• Hypertension in the elderly: improves blood pressure control with a favorable tolerability profile in senior patients.

• Lercanidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth‑muscle cells, preventing calcium influx that is necessary for contraction. This vasodilatory effect reduces peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a decrease in arterial blood pressure without significant impact on cardiac conduction or contractility. The drug’s high lipophilicity allows prolonged action and steady plasma levels.

Lercanidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Flushing: warm sensation and redness, usually temporary.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate without other cardiac symptoms.
• Palpitations: awareness of heart beating faster or irregularly.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring immediate medical attention.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing faintness or shock.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack symptoms.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or urticaria.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction, requires urgent care.

• When prescribing lercanidipine, clinicians should consider several safety precautions to minimize risk.
• Blood pressure monitoring: check blood pressure regularly after initiation and dose adjustments.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in patients with moderate to severe liver disease.
• Elderly patients: start with low dose and titrate slowly due to increased sensitivity.
• Drug hypersensitivity: discontinue if signs of allergic reaction appear.
• Concomitant antihypertensives: monitor for additive hypotensive effects.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase plasma levels and risk of hypotension.
• Other calcium‑channel blockers: additive vasodilatory effect leading to excessive blood pressure drop.
• Grapefruit juice: inhibits metabolism and raises drug concentration.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Diuretics: enhanced antihypertensive effect, monitor electrolytes.

• Beta‑blockers: combined effect on heart rate and blood pressure, adjust dosing as needed.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: additive blood pressure reduction, watch for symptomatic hypotension.
• NSAIDs: may diminish antihypertensive efficacy, assess blood pressure control.
• Antiplatelet agents: increased risk of bleeding, especially if vascular fragility is present.