Lercanidipine hydrochloride 20 mg Tablets What is Lercanidipine hydrochloride used for Lercanidipine hydrochloride is a medication that is indicated in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension (high blood pressure in your arteries). Do not take Lercanidipine hydrochloride • If you are allergic to Lercanidipine hydrochloride, any other dihydropyridine, or any of the ingredients in this medicine. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. • If you have left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (heart problem affecting blood flow). • If you suffer from an untreated congestive cardiac failure (a medical condition that makes your heart muscle unable to pump blood properly causing side effects, like, feet swelling, abdomen swelling, shortness of breath, fatigue and feeling tired and out of breath upon exertion). • If you are taking cyclosporine (immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection), ketoconazole or itraconazole (used for fungal infections), ritonavir (used for HIV), erythromycin or troleandomycin (antibiotics) or grapefruit juice. • If you suffer from unstable angina pectoris (heart muscle does not get enough oxygen due to blocked blood vessels). • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. • If you had a recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) during the last month. • If you suffer from severe kidney or liver problems. • If you are a woman of child-bearing potential and not using any contraceptive methods. • If you have lactase (enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose) insufficiency, galactosaemia or glucose/galactose malabsorption syndrome (problems absorbing galactose and glucose). Warnings and Precautions • Make sure to tell your doctor about any heart problems that you have, like, heart failure or angina pectoris. • Make sure to tell your doctor about any liver or kidney problems that you have. • Do not drink alcohol when taking this medication. Possible side effects of Lercanidipine hydrochloride Possible side effects of Lercanidipine hydrochloride include allergic reaction, rash, indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle pain, increased urination, fatigue and weakness, palpitations, headache, swelling of ankles, lower legs or feet, flushing, fatigue and dizziness. Other medicines and Lercanidipine hydrochloride Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medications. • If you are taking anticonvulsants (used for convulsions), like, phenytoin and carbamazepine. • If you are taking rifampicin (used mainly for tuberculosis). • If you are taking antifungals (used to treat fungal infections), like, ketoconazole and itraconazole. • If you are taking ritonavir (used to treat HIV). • If you are taking erythromycin or troleandomycin (antibiotics). • If you are taking cyclosporine (immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection). • If you are taking midazolam (used for anesthesia and trouble sleeping). • If you are taking digoxin (used for some heart problems). • If you are taking cimetidine (used to reduce stomach acidity). • If you are taking terfenadine or astemizole (used for allergies). • If you are taking class III antiarrhythmic drugs, like, amiodarone and quinidine (used for some types of heart rhythm irregularities). • If you are taking beta-blockers, like, metoprolol (used for some heart problems). How to take Lercanidipine hydrochloride Adults: Recommended daily dose is 10 mg orally once a day. The dose may be increased to 20 mg depending on how you respond to the medication. Your doctor may change the dose gradually because it takes around two weeks for the medication to give its optimal effect in decreasing blood pressure to normal. Children and adolescents (below 18 years of age): This medication is not recommended in children and adolescents. • Take tablet at least 15 minutes before meals. • Take tablet with a full glass of water. • Your doctor may prescribe other antihypertensive medications to be taken with this one depending on your case. • Take at the same time every day. • Do not take more or less than prescribed by your doctor. • Do not take grapefruit juice with this medication. How to store Lercanidipine hydrochloride • Do not store medication above 30°C • Keep out of the reach of children and pets • Do not use beyond the expiry date mentioned on the box • Keep medication in its original pack to protect it from moisture and light • Do not use damaged pills • Do not dispose medication in the wastewater or household waste A valid prescription should be available upon delivery