Lercanidipine Teva (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Lercanidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to manage elevated arterial pressure.

• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: helps control high systolic readings in older adults.
• Cardiovascular risk management: contributes to overall risk reduction when combined with lifestyle measures.

• Lercanidipine selectively inhibits L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, preventing calcium influx that is necessary for contraction. This vasodilatory effect decreases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a reduction in systemic blood pressure without significant negative inotropic activity on the heart.

Lercanidipine is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of ankles or feet.
• Dizziness: especially upon standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Fatigue: feeling of tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, or throat.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Allergic reactions: rash, pruritus, or anaphylaxis.
• Cardiac conduction disturbances: heart block or arrhythmias.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient-specific factors and monitor for potential complications.

• Blood pressure monitoring: check regularly to avoid excessive hypotension.
• Liver function: assess baseline hepatic enzymes and monitor during treatment.
• Concomitant antihypertensives: adjust doses to prevent additive blood pressure lowering.
• Elderly patients: start at lower dose and titrate cautiously.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if clearly needed, as safety data are limited.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Lercanidipine may interact with other medicines that affect its metabolism or blood pressure effects.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase plasma concentrations.
• Other antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics): risk of excessive hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice: can raise drug exposure and heighten side‑effect risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may reduce efficacy.
• NSAIDs: may increase risk of peripheral edema.
• Beta‑blockers: can mask tachycardia that signals low blood pressure.
• Lipid‑lowering agents (e.g., statins): may modestly raise statin levels.
• Diuretics: monitor electrolytes and renal function.