Products
Lercanidipine is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Zanidip, Zanipress + enalapril). It has been approved in many countries since 2004. Generic versions were registered in 2014.
Structure and properties
Lercanidipine (C36H41N3O6, Mr = 611.7 g/mol) is a dihydropyridine. It is present in drugs as lercanidipine hydrochloride. The -enantiomer is primarily active.
Effects
Lercanidipine (ATC C08CA13) has antihypertensive and vasodilatory properties. The effects are due to blockade of calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and last up to 24 hours.
Indications
For the treatment of hypertension.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Tablets are taken once daily in the morning and at the same time each day.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Women of childbearing potential without safe contraception
- Certain cardiovascular diseases
- Severe kidney and liver dysfunction
- Lercanidipine must not be combined with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and grapefruit juice.
Full details of precautions and interactions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Lercanidipine is metabolized by CYP3A4. Appropriate drug-drug interactions with CYP inhibitors and inducers are possible.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include flushing of the skin, rapid pulse, palpable heartbeats, headache, dizziness, and peripheral edema. Many of the side effects are a result of vasodilatation.