Lercanidipine

Calcium Antagonist · Calcium antagonist

Indications

Mild to moderate hypertension.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 10 mg once daily; increased, if necessary, after at least 2 wk to 20 mg daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Flushing, peripheral oedema, palpitation, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, asthaenia; also gastro-intestinal disturbances, hypotension, drowsiness, myalgia, polyuria, rash, reports of worsening angina, MI.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Aortic stenosis; unstable angina, left ventricular outflow obstruction, uncontrolled heart failure; within 1 month of myocardial infarction; severe hepatic or renal impairment; acute porphyria. Precautions: Left ventricular dysfunction; ischaemic heart disease: sick sinus syndrome (if pacemaker not fitted); avoid grapefruit juice (may affect metabolism); hepatic or renal impairment. Elderly.

Interactions

Beta-blockers, digoxin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, cimetidine, azole antifungals, erythromycin, fluoxetine, terfenadine, astemizole, grapefruit juice, CYP3A4 inhibitors incl cyclosporin, azole antifungals, ritonavir, class III antiarrhythmics, alcohol.

Advice to Patient

Take atleast 15 minutes before meals, preferably before breakfast. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Contact prescriber if there is chest pain, allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, swelling on face/lips/throat). Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during therapy. Avoid alcohol during therapy.

Pharmacokinetics

Duration: 24 hrs. Absorption: Oral: Completely absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Undergoes extensive saturable first-pass metabolism. Hepatic (extensive). Bioavailability: Low; increased in the presence of food. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 2-5 hrs. Some studies have reported 8-10 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 1.5-3 hrs. Excretion: Oral: Urine (50%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Leradip
• Zanidip
• Zanrel

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.