Lercanidipine
About Lercanidipine
Lercanidipine is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. It belongs to a class of medicines that help relax and widen your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. By keeping your blood pressure under control, this medicine helps protect your organs and reduces the risk of future heart problems.
To get the best results, you need to take Lercanidipine consistently every day, preferably at the same time each morning. You must take this tablet on an empty stomach, at least 15 minutes before a meal, because food can change how your body absorbs the medicine. Combining this daily treatment with healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a low-salt diet and staying active, will help you manage your condition effectively.
While taking this medicine, some people may experience mild side effects like headaches, a fast heartbeat, or swelling in the ankles. If you experience any severe dizziness, chest pain, or signs of an allergic reaction, you must seek medical attention immediately. Always talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms that do not go away.
Do not take this if you have severe liver damage, severe kidney disease, or unstable heart conditions. It is also not suitable for individuals who have recently had a heart attack or those with certain heart valve blockages. Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have any pre-existing heart rhythm problems.
This medicine can interact with other treatments, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and other blood pressure drugs. You must avoid drinking alcohol while taking it, as alcohol can cause your blood pressure to drop too low and make you feel dizzy. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to start a family, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, as this medicine is not recommended for these groups.
Uses of Lercanidipine
Medicinal Benefits
Lercanidipine helps manage high blood pressure and supports the long-term health of vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. By maintaining stable blood pressure levels, it helps reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications and promotes overall wellbeing.
- Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Levels: By lowering elevated blood pressure, Lercanidipine helps reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels, supporting effective blood pressure control throughout the day.
- Supports Protection of Vital Organs: Consistent blood pressure management with Lercanidipine helps protect important organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys, from damage associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Provides Smooth and Stable Blood Pressure Control: Lercanidipine is designed to provide gradual and sustained blood pressure reduction, helping maintain stable blood pressure levels and supporting comfortable day-to-day functioning. This steady control contributes to long-term cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of hypertension-related complications.
Directions for Use
- It can be taken with or without food as advised by a doctor.
- Adhere to your doctor's guidance regarding the dosage and timing of this medication for optimal effectiveness.
- Swallow Lercanidipine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Lercanidipine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Swelling in your ankles or lower legs
- Headaches or mild dizziness
- A rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Flushing or a warm feeling in the face and neck
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Chest pain that feels tight or heavy, especially if it starts or gets worse after beginning the medicine
- Severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Check your blood pressure at home regularly and keep a simple log to show your doctor during visits.
- Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to give your body time to adjust and help prevent temporary dizziness.
- Do not drive, use tools, or operate machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded after taking your dose.
- Tell your dentist or surgeon that you are taking this medicine before undergoing any dental or medical procedures.
Drug Interactions
Before using Lercanidipine, it is important to understand how it may interact with other medicines, foods, or existing health conditions. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you are currently taking.
Drug-Drug Interactions
Certain antifungal medicines (e.g., ketoconazole) and macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin): These medicines may increase the levels of Lercanidipine in the bloodstream by slowing its breakdown, which can increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend closer monitoring or dose adjustments if these medicines are used together.
- Other blood pressure medicines: Taking Lercanidipine alongside other antihypertensive medications may cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Diuretics (water tablets): Combining Lercanidipine with diuretics may enhance blood-pressure-lowering effects and increase the risk of dehydration, dizziness, or low blood pressure.
- Certain heart medicines: Some cardiovascular medicines may interact with Lercanidipine and further affect blood pressure or heart function. Inform your doctor about all heart medications before starting treatment.
Drug-Food Interactions
- High-fat meals: Taking Lercanidipine with or immediately after a high-fat meal may increase the amount of medicine absorbed into the bloodstream, which could increase the likelihood of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding how to take this medicine with food.
Drug-Disease Interactions
- Severe liver disease: Patients with significant liver impairment may not be able to metabolise Lercanidipine properly, increasing the risk of drug accumulation and adverse effects.
- Severe kidney disease: Reduced kidney function may impair the body's ability to clear the medicine, potentially leading to higher drug levels and an increased risk of side effects.
- Heart failure: Do not use Lercanidipine if you have untreated heart failure unless specifically advised by your doctor, as it may worsen certain cardiovascular complications.
- Unstable angina (chest pain): This medicine should generally be avoided in patients with unstable angina unless a healthcare professional determines that the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Recent heart attack: Do not use Lercanidipine if you have had a heart attack within the past month unless specifically directed by your cardiologist or healthcare provider.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAlcohol consumption with Lercanidipine may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking Lercanidipine. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Lercanidipine.
Breast Feeding
cautionDo not take Lercanidipine as it may pass through the breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Lercanidipine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionIt is advised to drive with caution after taking Lercanidipine as it usually causes dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness and affects the driving ability.
Liver
cautionBefore taking $ name, let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases. Dosage adjustments are required in patients with liver problems.
Kidney
cautionBefore taking $ name, let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Dosage adjustments are required in patients with kidney problems.
Children
unsafeLercanidipine is not recommended for children below the age of 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Reduce sodium intake: Avoid adding extra salt to your meals and limit processed foods, as salt can raise your blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of your medicine.
- Stay physically active: Engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to help strengthen your cardiovascular system.
- Avoid grapefruit: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it can interfere with how your body processes the drug and lead to increased side effects.
- Limit alcohol: Avoid or significantly limit alcohol consumption, as it can interact with your medicine to cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.
Special Advise
Please monitor your daily blood pressure and consult a doctor if you notice any fluctuations.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High blood pressure: Hypertension is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg and, diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Lercanidipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Thereby, it reduces your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, heart-related chest pain (angina), other heart problems, or kidney problems in the future.
Lercanidipine works by relaxing the blood vessels and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.
Lercanidipine can be safely taken for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. High blood pressure is a lifelong condition, and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, provided it is at least 15 minutes before a meal. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of low blood pressure and related side effects. If you frequently forget doses, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Yes. Ankle swelling (oedema) is a known side effect of Lercanidipine. It occurs because the medicine relaxes blood vessels, which may allow fluid to collect in the lower legs. Keeping your feet elevated while sitting may help reduce swelling. If the swelling becomes severe, uncomfortable, or persists, consult your doctor, who can assess the cause and advise appropriate management.
Lercanidipine is highly effective in managing blood pressure! It works by relaxing blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump blood, and helping to keep your blood pressure under control.
Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Lercanidipine should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water, preferably at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Follow your doctor's instructions for the correct dosage and duration.
Do not stop taking Lercanidipine without consulting your doctor. Continue taking it as the doctor recommends, even if your blood pressure is under control. Stopping it suddenly may cause your blood pressure to rise again. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns, and your doctor will guide you on the best course of action based on your health condition.
No, it is not recommended to take cyclosporine with Lercanidipine, as they may cause interactions and affect each other’s effectiveness, increasing the risk of side effects from both medications. Please consult the doctor before taking Lercanidipine with other medicines.
Lercanidipine can increase the amount of lercanidipine in the body and may increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, your friend is advised to avoid eating grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Lercanidipine.
Alcohol consumption with Lercanidipine may cause an increase in the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as fainting, dizziness, light-headedness or headache. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption.
Overdosing of Lercanidipine can cause severe health issues, including low blood pressure (hypotension), slow heart rate (bradycardia), dizziness, seizures, and fainting. If an overdose is suspected, please seek immediate medical attention for treatment and intensive care monitoring.
Yes, Lercanidipine may cause dizziness, as a common side effect in some individuals. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery unless you are fully alert.
The side effects of Lercanidipine include headache, dizziness, palpitations (a feeling of fast or uneven heartbeat), flushing (sudden reddening of your face, neck, or upper chest), and ankle swelling. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve on their own over time. However, please consult the doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
No, you should take Lercanidipine on an empty stomach, at least 15 minutes before a meal. Taking this medicine with food can significantly increase the amount of drug absorbed by your body, which can lead to increased side effects like dizziness and flushing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need advice on how to time your medication.
No, this medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. If you are planning a pregnancy or find out you are pregnant while taking this medication, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss switching to a safer alternative. Talk to your doctor for personalised guidance.
