Lacidipine is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Lacidipine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day, preferably in the morning.
Lacidipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have had a heart attack within the last month
- other heart problems such as aortic stenosis (the narrowing of the heart valve which restricts blood flow)
as Lacidipine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor you are taking certain medicines that can prolong QT intervals such as class I or III antiarrhythmics (medicines for heart disease); antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin), medicine for allergy (e.g. terfenadine), and medicines to treat depression and mood disorders.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Lacidipine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may experience dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to Lacidipine.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, weakness, rash, itching, sudden redness of the skin (especially of face), or frequent urination.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience chest pain or chest pain that is getting worse.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- water pill or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, captopril
- cimetidine (medicine to reduce stomach acid and treat stomach ulcers)
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, ritonavir
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lacidipine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.