Lercanidipine
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
No
lercanidipine
Summary
Lercanidipine is used to treat high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. It helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This medication may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker, which works by relaxing blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily, lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart's workload. Think of it like opening a valve to let water flow through a pipe more smoothly.
The usual starting dose of Lercanidipine for adults is 10 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg daily if needed. It's taken orally, ideally in the morning, at least 15 minutes before a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
Common side effects of Lercanidipine include dizziness, headache, and flushing, which is a warm feeling in the face. These occur in a small percentage of people. If you experience new symptoms, talk with your doctor before stopping the medication.
Lercanidipine can cause low blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Avoid alcohol, as it can enhance these effects. It's not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor about all medications you take to avoid interactions.
Indications and Purpose
How does Lercanidipine work?
Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker, which works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. It blocks calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, reducing the heart's workload and allowing blood to flow more easily. Think of it like opening a valve to let water flow through a pipe more smoothly. This helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lercanidipine is effective for managing high blood pressure.
Is Lercanidipine effective?
Lercanidipine is effective for treating high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. It works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering blood pressure. Clinical studies show that Lercanidipine effectively reduces blood pressure in many patients. This helps decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Always follow your doctor's instructions and attend regular check-ups to monitor your blood pressure and ensure the medication is working effectively.
What is Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lercanidipine is primarily used for hypertension but may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking this medication.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine is usually a long-term medication for managing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. You'll typically take it every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your blood pressure to rise, increasing the risk of heart problems. How long you'll need this medication depends on your body's response, any side effects you experience, and changes in your overall health. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your Lercanidipine treatment.
How do I dispose of Lercanidipine?
To dispose of Lercanidipine, take it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of it properly to prevent harm to people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw it in the trash at home. First, remove it from its original container, mix it with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take Lercanidipine?
Take Lercanidipine once daily, ideally in the morning, at least 15 minutes before a meal. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it. Avoid taking it with grapefruit juice, as this can interfere with the medicine. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for taking Lercanidipine.
How long does it take for Lercanidipine to start working?
Lercanidipine starts working within a few hours after taking it, but it may take a few weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. Individual factors like age, kidney function, and overall health can affect how quickly you notice improvements. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure helps track the medication's effectiveness. Take Lercanidipine exactly as prescribed for the best results. If you have concerns about how long it takes to work, talk with your doctor.
How should I store Lercanidipine?
Store Lercanidipine at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from damage. Avoid storing it in humid places like bathrooms, where moisture can affect its effectiveness. If your pills came in packaging that isn't child-resistant, transfer them to a container that children can't easily open. Always store Lercanidipine out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Lercanidipine?
The usual starting dose of Lercanidipine for adults is 10 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg daily if needed. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for dose adjustments. Lercanidipine is not typically used in children. Elderly patients may require careful monitoring. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Lercanidipine with other prescription drugs?
Lercanidipine can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing effectiveness. Major interactions include drugs like ketoconazole, which can increase Lercanidipine levels, leading to low blood pressure. Moderate interactions include beta-blockers, which can enhance blood pressure-lowering effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take to avoid interactions. They can adjust your treatment plan to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can Lercanidipine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Lercanidipine is not recommended while breastfeeding. Limited information is available on whether it passes into human breast milk. Animal studies suggest it may appear in milk, raising concerns about potential effects on the baby. We don't have specific reports of harm to breastfed babies from Lercanidipine, but potential risks can't be ruled out. If you're taking Lercanidipine and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can Lercanidipine be taken safely while pregnant?
Lercanidipine is not recommended during pregnancy. Limited evidence is available on its safety for pregnant women. Animal studies suggest potential risks to the developing baby. Uncontrolled high blood pressure during pregnancy can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your blood pressure. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Does Lercanidipine have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of Lercanidipine include dizziness, headache, and flushing. These occur in a small percentage of users. Serious side effects, like severe allergic reactions, are rare but require immediate medical attention. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help determine if these are related to Lercanidipine and advise on appropriate actions.
Does Lercanidipine have any safety warnings?
Yes, Lercanidipine has safety warnings. It can cause low blood pressure, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. This may lead to dizziness or fainting. Avoid alcohol, as it can enhance these effects. Lercanidipine may also interact with other medications, so inform your doctor about all drugs you take. Not adhering to these warnings can result in serious health issues. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any unusual symptoms.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Lercanidipine?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Lercanidipine. Alcohol can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of the medication, leading to dizziness or fainting. It can also increase the risk of side effects like headaches. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit your alcohol intake and monitor for any symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Lercanidipine to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Lercanidipine?
Yes, you can exercise while taking Lercanidipine. However, be aware that it can cause dizziness, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. This might affect your exercise capacity. To exercise safely, start slowly and avoid strenuous activities until you know how the medication affects you. Stay hydrated and watch for signs of dizziness or fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, slow down or stop exercising and rest. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about exercising while taking Lercanidipine.
Is it safe to stop Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine is usually used long-term for managing high blood pressure. Stopping it suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise, increasing the risk of heart problems. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Lercanidipine. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
Is Lercanidipine addictive?
Lercanidipine is not addictive or habit-forming. It doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Lercanidipine works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure, which doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that Lercanidipine doesn't carry this risk.
Is Lercanidipine safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to medication side effects due to age-related changes in the body. Lercanidipine is generally safe for the elderly, but they may experience more pronounced effects like dizziness or low blood pressure. Careful monitoring is important to ensure safety. Regular check-ups with a doctor help manage any potential risks. Always inform your doctor about all medications and health conditions to ensure Lercanidipine is safe for you.
What are the most common side effects of Lercanidipine?
Side effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common side effects of Lercanidipine include dizziness, headache, and flushing. These occur in a small percentage of people. If you experience new symptoms after starting Lercanidipine, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can help determine if the symptoms are related to Lercanidipine and advise on the best course of action.
Who should avoid taking Lercanidipine?
Lercanidipine should not be used if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. It's also contraindicated in severe liver disease, which affects how the body processes the medication. Caution is needed if you have heart problems, such as heart failure, which is when the heart can't pump blood effectively. Always inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you take. They can help determine if Lercanidipine is safe for you.
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