Lacidipine

Indications

Lacidipine is used for: Hypertension, Storke prevention

Adult Dose

Oral Hypertension Adult: Initially, 2 mg once daily, may increase after 3-4 wk to 4 mg/day. Max: 6 mg/day. Hepatic impairment: Severe: Reduce dose.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Within 1 mth of MI, cardiogenic shock, unstable angina, aortic stenosis.

Precautions

Conduction abnormalities, congenital or acquired QT prolongation, poor cardiac reserve. Hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Additive effect w/ diuretics, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. May increase plasma level w/ cimetidine. Metabolism may be affected by CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. itraconazole) and inducers (e.g. rifampicin). May attenuate antihypertensive effect w/ corticoids or tetracosactid

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Lacidipine : Headache, flushing, oedema, dizziness, palpitations, aggravation of angina, increased alkaline phosphatase. Rarely asthenia, rash (e.g. erythema and itching), gastric upset, nausea, gum hyperplasia, polyuria, muscle cramps, mood disturbances.

Mechanism of Action

Lacidipine is a potent dihydropyridine Ca antagonist mainly selective for Ca channels in the vascular smooth muscle. It dilates peripheral arterioles resulting in reduced peripheral vascular resistance and BP.