Molap (Lacidipine)

• Lacidipine is used to manage conditions within the hypertension disease family.
• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure.
• Essential hypertension: provides sustained blood pressure control in primary hypertension.
• High blood pressure: helps achieve target blood pressure levels as part of antihypertensive therapy.

• Lacidipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, decreasing calcium influx. This leads to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, vasodilation, and a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, which together lower systemic blood pressure.

Lacidipine may cause a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring after dose initiation.
• 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 in some patients.
• Nausea: mild gastrointestinal upset.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure requiring medical attention.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Liver dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes indicating hepatic injury.

• Before initiating therapy, consider the following precautions.
• Monitor blood pressure: ensure adequate control without excessive lowering.
• Use cautiously in hepatic impairment: adjust therapy if liver function is compromised.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation: taper dose to prevent rebound hypertension.
• Exercise caution in elderly patients: increased sensitivity to blood pressure changes.
• Avoid concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: may raise lacidipine levels.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Lacidipine can interact with several drug classes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase plasma concentration.
• Grapefruit juice: can elevate drug levels and risk of hypotension.
• Other potent antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs) when combined may cause excessive blood pressure drop.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely):\n- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may reduce efficacy.

• Diuretics: additive effect on blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive response.
• Beta‑blockers: monitor for combined bradycardia or hypotension.