Lercanidipinhydrochlorid Doc (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

• Lercanidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium‑channel blocker used to manage high blood pressure and related cardiovascular conditions.
• Hypertension: lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: improves arterial compliance and controls elevated systolic pressure.
• Primary (essential) hypertension: provides long‑term blood‑pressure control as part of antihypertensive therapy.

• Lercanidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth‑muscle cells, preventing calcium influx that is required for contraction. This vasodilatory effect reduces peripheral vascular resistance, leading to a decrease in arterial blood pressure without significant negative inotropic activity on the heart.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Flushing: sensation of warmth, usually on the face or neck.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially after standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Palpitations: awareness of heartbeat.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing fainting.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Allergic reactions: rash, pruritus, or urticaria.
• Angioedema: swelling of lips, tongue, or airway.
• Life‑threatening arrhythmias: ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.

• Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential complications.
• Monitor blood pressure: adjust dose based on response and avoid excessive hypotension.
• Assess liver function: use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Caution in the elderly: start at low dose due to increased sensitivity.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: taper gradually to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Use with caution in heart‑failure patients: monitor for fluid retention.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lercanidipine may interact with other medicines that affect its metabolism or blood‑pressure‑lowering effect.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

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

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may reduce effectiveness.
• Diuretics: may enhance orthostatic hypotension.
• Beta‑blockers: monitor for combined heart‑rate effects.
• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive response.
• Statins metabolised by CYP3A4: watch for increased statin levels.