Lercanidipine-oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Lercanidipine helps keep your blood pressure under control. It works by relaxing your blood vessels and this helps lower your blood pressure.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Lercanidipine 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.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 15 minutes before meals, preferably before breakfast. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Lercanidipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
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.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • other heart problem e.g. untreated heart failure, obstruction of blood flow from the heart
  • history of heart attack less than 1 month ago
  • severe liver disease
  • severe kidney disease
as Lercanidipine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Lercanidipine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Lercanidipine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.

Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Do not take Lercanidipine with medicines used to treat certain immune disorders or used in organ transplant, fungal infections, HIV infection and infections caused by bacteria. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms) but has no pacemaker fitted
  • chest pain
  • mild to moderate kidney disease
  • mild to moderate liver disease
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during the treatment.

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.
What side effects could I experience?
Lercanidipine may cause dizziness, weakness, or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: fast and irregular heartbeat, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand, muscle pain, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, muscle pain, headache, frequent urination, reddening of skin, itchiness and rash.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Do not take Lercanidipine with the following medicines:
  • ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
  • medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
  • ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
  • certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • medicine for epilepsy e.g. phenytoin
  • rifampicin (medicine to treat a lung infection known as TB)
  • midazolam (medicine that helps you sleep)
  • other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. metoprolol
  • other medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
  • cimetidine (gastric medicine)
  • alfuzosin (medicine to treat enlarged prostate)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lercanidipine.

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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may increase the effect of Lercanidipine.

Avoid grapefruit juice.

Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on lercanidipine-oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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