Lercanidipinhydrochlorid Polpharma (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Lercanidipine Hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of primary (essential) hypertension, a condition characterized by chronically elevated arterial pressure.

• Hypertension: lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by selectively relaxing arterial smooth muscle, thereby decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and improving overall hemodynamic stability in adult patients.
• Essential hypertension: offers consistent blood pressure reduction, contributing to decreased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction in patients with primary hypertension.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: provides effective blood pressure control in elderly patients with predominant systolic elevation.

• Lercanidipine Hydrochloride selectively blocks L-type calcium channels on vascular smooth‑muscle cells, inhibiting calcium influx that is required for muscle contraction. This results in relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, vasodilation, and a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, leading to lowered systemic blood pressure.

Lercanidipine Hydrochloride may cause a range of adverse reactions. Patients should be aware of both common and less frequent but serious events.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring shortly after initiation.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: swelling, typically of the ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness, especially when standing quickly.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate without accompanying chest pain.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat that may compromise breathing.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing fainting or shock.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack symptoms.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations.
• Life‑threatening arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms requiring urgent care.
• Severe skin reactions: such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before prescribing Lercanidipine Hydrochloride, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Blood pressure monitoring: regularly assess to avoid excessive hypotension.
• Gradual dose adjustments: avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in patients with liver disease, as metabolism may be reduced.
• Elderly patients: start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity to vasodilatory effects.
• Concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors: monitor for increased plasma concentrations.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may raise lercanidipine plasma levels, increasing risk of hypotension.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may lower drug exposure, reducing antihypertensive effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Other antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics): additive blood‑pressure‑lowering effect may cause excessive hypotension.

• Grapefruit juice: can increase lercanidipine concentrations modestly.
• Non‑dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers: may enhance cardiac conduction effects.
• Beta‑blockers: combined use may lead to bradycardia.
• Diuretics: may exacerbate electrolyte disturbances, especially potassium loss.