Lercanidipine Hcl Recordati Industria Chimica E Farmaceutica S.P.A. (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Lercanidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium‑channel blocker used in the management of high blood pressure conditions.

• Essential hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure to target levels.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: lowers elevated systolic pressure, especially in older adults.
• Cardiovascular risk management: contributes to overall risk reduction by maintaining controlled blood pressure.

• Lercanidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, decreasing calcium influx. This results in relaxation of arterial walls, vasodilation, and a consequent reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers systemic blood pressure without significant negative inotropic effects on the heart.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Flushing: sensation of warmth and redness.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of ankles or feet.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Nasal congestion.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, or throat.
• Myocardial infarction: rare but reported.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation.
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Arrhythmias: abnormal heart rhythms.

Before initiating therapy with lercanidipine, several safety considerations should be observed.

• Blood pressure monitoring: ensure adequate control and avoid excessive drops.
• Hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be required in patients with liver dysfunction.
• Elderly patients: start at the lowest effective dose and monitor closely.
• Concomitant antihypertensives: watch for additive hypotensive effects.
• Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; avoid unless clearly needed.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Lercanidipine can interact with several drug classes, influencing its efficacy and safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin): may increase plasma levels.
• Grapefruit juice: can markedly raise drug concentration.
• Other potent vasodilators: risk of severe hypotension.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Diuretics: may enhance antihypertensive effect.

• Beta‑blockers: additive blood pressure lowering.
• Other calcium‑channel blockers: potential for cumulative cardiovascular effects.
• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive response.
• Digoxin: monitor for altered serum levels.