Lercanidipine Tablets

Lercanidipine Tablets

Lercanidipine

What is Lercanidipine?

Lercanidipine is a medication that is classified as a calcium channel blocker: drugs that dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

What is Lercanidipine used for?

Lercanidipine is prescribed by doctors to treat high blood pressure when other blood pressure lowering drugs do not work (well enough).

How do you use Lercanidipine?

Lercanidipine should be taken at a fixed time (preferably in the morning) and always at least 15 minutes before eating.

Note: grapefruit may enhance the effect of this medication. Therefore do not eat/drink grapefruit (juice) if you are being treated with this medication.

Dosage

Lercanidipine is available in tablets of 10 and 20 mg. The doctor will know which strength is right for you. The usual dosage for adults aged 18 and over is one tablet once a day. Always follow the advice of the doctor.

A missed dose may still be taken, unless it is almost time for the next dose.

An overdose may cause a very low blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat or cause unconsciousness.

Always warn a doctor in the event of an overdose.

Side effects

You may get side effects from this medication. The most important side effects include:

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• dizziness (especially when you stand up too quickly), sleepiness, fatigue
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• headache
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• palpitations
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The leaflet lists all (other) side effects. Talk to a doctor if the side effects become serious, or if symptoms occur that are not listed in the leaflet

When should you not use Lercanidipine (contra-indications)

This medication should not be used when you have:

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• an allergy to the active substance lercanidipine hydrochloride or any of the other components
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• some heart diseases (see leaflet)
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• severe kidney or liver disorders
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pregnancy / breastfeeding

A complete list of contra-indications is listed in the leaflet.

Pregnancy / breastfeeding

Little is known about the effects of Lercanidipine on (unborn) babies. Therefore this drug should not be used if you are pregnant or if you want to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Interaction with other medications

Medications may affect each other. Regarding Lercanidipine, the following combinations of drugs apply (see leaflet for a complete, specified list):

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• certain antivirals
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• certain types of antibiotics
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• certain antifungal medications
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• alpha blockers
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• other antihypertensive medications
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Talk to the doctor if you are taking any of these drugs or other medications.

Driving Ability

Lercanidipine may sometimes cause dizziness or drowsiness. Once your body is used to a lower blood pressure, these symptoms usually disappear. Then you should be able to participate in traffic again.

Alcohol

Alcohol increases the effect that Lercanidipine has on the blood vessels. This may increase, or worsen, dizziness. Keep this in mind if you want to drink alcoholic beverages.