Lercanidipine

About Lercanidipine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as calcium channel blockers.

Lercanidipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Lercanidipine 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.

Lercanidipine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Zanidip. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Lercanidipine

Before taking lercanidipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have suffered from a heart attack less than one month ago or have any other heart problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Lercanidipine

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take lercanidipine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Take lercanidipine an hour before food or on an empty stomach.
• Try to take lercanidipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of lercanidipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not stop taking lercanidipine without speaking to your doctor first.
• Lercanidipine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of lercanidipine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside lercanidipine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking this medicine
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with Lercanidipine.
• Lercanidipine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• When you first start taking lercanidipine you may experience headaches, hot flushes and swollen ankles. This usually goes away a few days after starting treatment.
• Lercanidipine may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and by drinking plenty of water.

Can Lercanidipine cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Flushing (redness of the face), swollen legs and ankles, being aware of your heart beat, headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling sick, tummy pain, diarrhoea, constipation, drowsiness, muscle pain, passing water more frequently or skin rash.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Lercanidipine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/07/2003