Lacidipine is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. This medication is available under various brand names, including Motens and Lacipil.
Medical Use and Mechanism
Lacidipine is primarily prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. This occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Managing hypertension is important because uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
The medication works by targeting calcium channels in the body. Lacidipine acts as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, selectively blocking the entry of calcium ions into muscle cells in blood vessel walls. Since calcium plays a role in muscle contraction, preventing its entry causes these muscle cells to relax.
This relaxation widens blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. Wider blood vessels decrease resistance to blood flow, which lowers blood pressure. This action also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, reducing its workload.
Proper Administration and Dosage
Lacidipine is taken once daily, usually in the morning, at the same time each day for consistent blood levels. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew it.
The typical starting dose is 2 milligrams (mg) once daily. A healthcare provider will monitor blood pressure response and may adjust the dosage, increasing it to 4 mg or up to a maximum of 6 mg per day, to achieve optimal blood pressure control. Dose adjustments are made gradually, usually after several weeks, to assess the full effect.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose entirely. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this could increase the risk of side effects.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, lacidipine can cause side effects. Common side effects often improve as the body adjusts. These include headache, flushing (warmth and redness in the face or neck), dizziness, and palpitations (a rapid or irregular heartbeat). Swelling in the ankles, also known as peripheral edema, is another frequently reported side effect.
More serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. These symptoms include persistent or severe chest pain, extreme dizziness or fainting spells, and a very fast or irregular heartbeat. If any serious symptoms occur, seek medical help promptly. For a comprehensive list of potential side effects or advice on persistent symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Important Precautions and Interactions
Lacidipine should be used with caution or avoided in certain situations due to potential risks. Individuals with severe aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve) or a history of specific heart problems may not be suitable candidates. Patients must inform their doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver problems, as lacidipine is metabolized in the liver.
Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss their situation with their doctor before starting lacidipine. The potential benefits and risks to both mother and baby require careful consideration.
Lacidipine can interact with other medications and substances, altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. A notable interaction is with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can significantly increase lacidipine concentration in the bloodstream, potentially leading to increased side effects. Therefore, avoid consuming grapefruit products while taking this medication.
Other interacting medications include cimetidine (which can increase lacidipine levels) and other blood pressure-lowering drugs (which might lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure). Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, and some antifungal medications, like ketoconazole, can also affect how lacidipine is metabolized. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements you are currently taking.