Lercanidipine Ingen Pharma (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Lercanidipine is indicated for management of arterial hypertension and works within the vascular system to lower blood pressure.

• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension.
• Essential hypertension: improves vascular tone and helps achieve target blood pressure goals.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: lowers elevated systolic pressure, especially in older adults.

• Lercanidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, preventing calcium influx that is necessary for contraction. This results in arterial vasodilation, decreased peripheral resistance, and a consequent reduction in systemic blood pressure without significant negative inotropic effects on the heart.

Lercanidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe. Patients should be aware of both common and rare events.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Flushing: warmth and redness, usually resolves with continued therapy.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of ankles or feet due to fluid accumulation.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Fatigue: generalized tiredness without obvious cause.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate, typically mild.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure leading to fainting.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring emergency care.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Allergic reactions: rash, pruritus, or anaphylaxis.
• Cardiac conduction abnormalities: heart block or arrhythmias.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should consider several safety aspects to minimise risk.

• Monitor blood pressure: check regularly after start and dose changes.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: taper under medical supervision to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Caution in hepatic impairment: dose may need adjustment in patients with liver disease.
• Use with caution in elderly: increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects.
• Review concomitant medications: assess for potential drug interactions, especially CYP3A4 modulators.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in the original packaging, protect from moisture.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may raise plasma concentrations.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may reduce therapeutic effect.
• Concurrent use with other antihypertensives: risk of excessive hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice: can increase drug levels and precipitate adverse events.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: additive blood‑pressure lowering, may require dose adjustment.
• Beta‑blockers: combined effect on heart rate and blood pressure.
• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive response, necessitating closer monitoring.