Lercanidipino Cinfa (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Lercanidipine acts on the vascular smooth‑muscle calcium channels to control blood pressure in hypertensive disease.

• Hypertension: reduction of elevated blood pressure in adult patients.

• Lercanidipine selectively blocks L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth‑muscle cells, reducing 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 may cause adverse reactions that vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring shortly after dosing.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of the ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially when standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Palpitations: awareness of heart beating.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat that may compromise airway.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing faintness or shock.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential risks.

• Monitor blood pressure: ensure therapeutic targets are achieved without excessive lowering.
• Assess hepatic function: consider baseline liver tests and periodic monitoring.
• Use caution in the elderly: increased susceptibility to hypotension and dizziness.
• Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: concomitant use may raise plasma concentrations.
• Pregnancy and lactation: safety has not been established; use only if clearly needed.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lercanidipine can interact with several drug classes, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): may increase plasma levels and risk of hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice: can elevate drug exposure leading to excessive blood pressure reduction.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Other antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, diuretics): additive blood‑pressure‑lowering effect.

• Beta‑blockers: may enhance bradycardia or heart‑rate changes.
• NSAIDs: may attenuate antihypertensive efficacy.
• Simvastatin: increased risk of statin‑related muscle toxicity.