Uses of Lercanidipine

Lercanidipine is used to treat hypertension.

Therapeutic Category

Lercanidipine: Calcium channel blockers

How Lercanidipine works

Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes the blood vessels supplying the heart and other vital organs and improves blood flow across them. Therefore, it help the heart to pump more blood smoothly with less pressure.

Common side effects of Lercanidipine

• headache
• fast heart rate, palpitations
• flushing
• ankle swelling

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• sudden chest pain (due to lack of blood flow to heart)

Health Tips for Lercanidipine

• Take Lercanidipine as advised by your physician. Take it at the same time each day, preferably in the morning at least 15 minutes before breakfast
• A high fat meal significantly increases blood levels of Lercanidipine. Therefore, avoid taking lercanidipine with heavy meals
• Alcohol can increase the effect of Lercanidipine. Therefore, do not consume alcohol during treatment
• While taking Lercanidipine, avoid drinking grapefruit juice, as it may further reduce your blood pressure. Consult your doctor for the best diet that can suit your health condition
• Before taking Lercanidipine, inform your doctor if you are suffering from certain heart problems, obstruction to flow of blood from the heart, chest pain, liver problems or severe kidney problems
• Avoid concomitant usage of antifungal medicines, antibiotics, antiviral agents, or immunosuppressants like ciclosporin along with Lercanidipine without consulting your doctor as it may lead to serious side effects
• Do not take Lercanidipine if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor