Biological Activity

L-type Ca 2+ channel blocker that displays higher vascular selectivity than Felodipine (4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid ethyl methyl ester ). Causes peripheral vasodilation with only weak negative inotropic activity. Antihypertensive.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Lercanidipine hydrochloride is a L-type (Cav1.2b) vascular channel antagonist; L-type (Cav1.2a) cardiac channel agonist voltage-dependent and highly lipophylic compound, which exhibits a slower onset and longer duration of action than other calcium channel antagonists; an antihypertensive agent in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension; more vasoselective than lacidipine and amlodipine.

Drug interactions

Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs Aminophylline and theophylline: possibly increased aminophylline and theophylline concentration. Anaesthetics: enhanced hypotensive effect. Antibacterials: metabolism possibly inhibited by clarithromycin, erythromycin and telithromycin - avoid with erythromycin. Antidepressants: enhanced hypotensive effect with MAOIs. Antiepileptics: effect reduced by carbamazepine, barbiturates, phenytoin and primidone. Antifungals: metabolism possibly inhibited by itraconazole and ketoconazole - avoid; negative inotropic effect possibly increased with itraconazole. Antihypertensives: enhanced hypotensive effect, increased risk of first dose hypotensive effect of postsynaptic alpha-blockers. Antivirals: concentration increased by ritonavir - avoid. Cardiac glycosides: digoxin concentration increased. Ciclosporin: concentration of both drugs may be increased - avoid. Grapefruit juice: concentration increased - avoid