Lercanidipine Hydrochloride Teva Uk (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

• Lercanidipine belongs to the dihydropyridine calcium‑channel blocker class and is used to manage high blood pressure.
• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, helping to control essential hypertension.
• Cardiovascular risk reduction: contributes to lower risk of stroke and heart attack by maintaining target blood pressure levels.

• Lercanidipine selectively blocks L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, preventing calcium influx. This inhibition leads to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, vasodilation, and a consequent decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers systemic blood pressure.

Lercanidipine is generally well tolerated, but several adverse reactions have been reported.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of the ankles or feet.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially after the first dose.
• Palpitations: awareness of heartbeats.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical attention.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or hives.
• Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms.

• Before initiating therapy with lercanidipine, certain precautions should be observed.
• Monitor blood pressure: ensure adequate control and avoid excessive lowering.
• Assess hepatic function: use caution in patients with liver impairment.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: tapering may be needed to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Review concomitant cardiovascular drugs: consider additive effects with other antihypertensives.
• Educate patients on orthostatic changes: advise rising slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lercanidipine may interact with several other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase plasma levels and risk of hypotension.
• Other calcium‑channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine): additive vasodilatory effect can cause severe hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice: inhibits metabolism and raises drug concentration.

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

• Beta‑blockers (e.g., metoprolol): combined use can enhance blood‑pressure lowering.
• Diuretics (e.g., thiazides): may increase risk of electrolyte imbalance and hypotension.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: monitor for excessive blood‑pressure reduction.
• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive response.