Lercanidipine Hcl Recordati Industria Chimica E Farmaceutica (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

• Lercanidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used in the management of high blood pressure.
• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults.
• Primary hypertension: provides sustained blood‑pressure control for essential hypertension.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: lowers elevated systolic pressure in older patients.

• Lercanidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels on vascular smooth‑muscle cells, decreasing calcium influx. This leads to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, vasodilation, and a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, ultimately lowering systemic blood pressure.

Lercanidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring after the first dose.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of the ankles or feet.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially when standing quickly.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Palpitations: awareness of heartbeat.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical attention.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Angio‑edema: swelling of face, lips, or throat.
• Liver enzyme elevation: significant increase in hepatic transaminases.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or hives.
• Cardiac conduction disturbances: heart block or arrhythmias.

• Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly: ensure therapeutic effect and avoid excessive lowering.
• Caution in hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be required.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: taper under medical supervision to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Use with caution in the elderly: increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects.
• Contraindicated in severe aortic stenosis: risk of precipitating cardiac failure.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lercanidipine can interact with several drug classes; awareness helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase plasma levels.
• Concomitant use with other antihypertensives: risk of excessive hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice: can elevate drug concentration.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin): may reduce efficacy.
• Diuretics: may enhance electrolyte disturbances.
• Beta‑blockers: can mask tachycardia caused by hypotension.
• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive effect.
• Lithium: possible increase in serum lithium levels.