Lercanidipino Tarbis (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride Hemihydrate)

Lercanidipine is indicated for the management of hypertension, acting on vascular smooth muscle to reduce systemic vascular resistance.

• Essential hypertension: lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with primary high blood pressure.
• Isolated systolic hypertension: reduces elevated systolic pressure, particularly in older adults.
• Secondary hypertension: assists in controlling blood pressure when caused by other underlying conditions.

• Lercanidipine selectively blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting calcium influx. This leads to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, vasodilation, and a consequent decrease in peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers systemic blood pressure.

Adverse reactions may occur with Lercanidipine therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of the ankles or lower legs.
• Dizziness: especially upon standing.
• Tachycardia: increased heart rate.
• Nausea: occasional stomach upset.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical attention.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations.
• Allergic reactions: including angioedema or rash.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythms.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction.

When prescribing Lercanidipine, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Blood pressure monitoring: regularly assess to avoid excessive hypotension.
• Liver function assessment: evaluate hepatic status before initiation.
• Elderly patients: start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity.
• Concomitant vasodilators: avoid abrupt combination that may cause profound hypotension.
• Discontinuation: taper gradually rather than stopping suddenly.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lercanidipine may interact with other medicines; awareness of interaction severity is essential.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase plasma levels.
• Grapefruit juice: can elevate drug concentration.
• Concurrent potent vasodilators: risk of severe hypotension.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- Other antihypertensives (beta‑blockers, ACE inhibitors): may enhance blood‑pressure‑lowering effect.

• Diuretics: can potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
• NSAIDs: may reduce antihypertensive efficacy.
• Digoxin: possible increase in serum digoxin levels.