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Lacidipine

  • These tablets taken regularly as prescribed by your doctor will help to lower your blood pressure.
  • Take your dose each morning with a drink of water.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking lacidipine.

About lacidipine

Type of medicineCalcium channel blocker
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Also calledMotens®
Available asTablets

Lacidipine works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and allowing the heart to work more efficiently.

Before taking lacidipine

Before taking lacidipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you have recently suffered from a heart attack or have other heart problems.
  • If you have angina (chest pains).
  • If you have aortic stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel from the heart).
  • If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take lacidipine

  • Before beginning your treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take lacidipine tablets exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • It is usual to take lacidipine in a morning with a drink of water. The usual starting dose is 2 mg every morning although this may be increased by your doctor after a few weeks.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with lacidipine.
  • Try to take lacidipine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking lacidipine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can lacidipine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling sick, upset stomachEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Fast or uneven heartbeat (also called palpitations), flushing, swelling - particularly of the ankles and feetThese side-effects usually go away as your body adjusts to the treatment
Skin rash, itching, an increase in the amount of water (urine) that you pass, weaknessIf these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store lacidipine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3212DocRef: dils2052Last Reviewed: 15 Feb 2010Version: 22
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