Description:

Lacidipine is a lipophilic calcium-channel inhibitor of the dihydropyridine class used in the treatment of hypertension.

Composition:

Lacicard-2: Each film-coated tablet contains Lacidipine BP 2 mg.

Lacicard-4: Each film-coated tablet contains Lacidipine BP 4 mg.

Pharmacology:

Lacidipine inhibits the influx of calcium into smooth muscle cells by the competitive inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium 'L' channels. This action results in the inhibition of the effects triggered by the influx of calcium into the cells, such as the activation of the contractile proteins in smooth muscle.

Indications:

Treatment of hypertension, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents such as beta-blockers and diuretics.

Dosage and Administration:

Initially 2 mg as a single daily dose, preferably in the morning; increased after 3-4 weeks to 4 mg daily, then if necessary to 6 mg.

Contraindication:

Hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine derivatives. Cardiogenic shock, aortic stenosis, avoid within 1 month of myocardial infarction, impaired left ventricular function, pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Precaution:

Cardiac conduction abnormalities, poor cardiac reserve, hepatic impairment, withdraw if ischemic pain occurs shortly after initiating treatment or if cardiogenic shock develops, avoid grapefruit juice (may affect metabolism).

Side Effect:

Flushing, palpitation, edema, headache, dizziness, rarely gastro-intestinal disturbances, gum hyperplasia, aggravation of angina, mood disturbances, asthenia, polyuria, muscle cramps, skin rash (including pruritus and erythema).

Drug Interaction:

Cimetidine increases the concentration of Lacidipine. Lacidipine increases the concentration of Digoxin & Propranolol but Propranolol decrease the maximum concentration & AUC of Lacidipine.

Use in special groups:

Neonates: There are no data on the safety or efficacy of Lacidipine in neonates.

Children: Treatment with Lacidipine has not been evaluated in children.

Breast milk: Milk transfer studies in animals have shown that Lacidipine is excreted into breast milk and therefore, Lacidipine should not be used during lactation.

Pregnant women: Although no teratogenic effects of Lacidipine have been established in animals there are no data on the safety of Lacidipine in human pregnancy; therefore it is contraindicated.

The elderly: The clearance of Lacidipine is significantly impaired in the elderly, but the efficacy and tolerability of Lacidipine in elderly hypertensive patients is comparable with that in younger patients.

Packing:

Lacicard-2: Each box contains 3×10’s tablets.

Lacicard-4: Each box contains 5×10's tablets.