Description
Zanidip, also known as Lercanidipine, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults over the age of 18 years. It belongs to a group of medicines called Calcium Channel Blockers (dihydropyridine derivatives) that lower blood pressure.
Lercanidipine works by affecting the way calcium passes into certain muscle cells in your blood vessels. The muscle cells need calcium to contract. Lercanidipine reduces the amount of calcium that goes into these muscle cells. This causes the muscle cells to relax, which widens your blood vessels and lowers your blood pressure.
The usual starting dose is 10 mg daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase your dose after a few weeks to 20 mg daily. You should take the tablet about 30 minutes before you eat. It is advised not to drink grapefruit juice while you are on lercanidipine as it can interact with the medicine and alter its effect.
Please note that some people may experience side effects such as headache, feeling flushed, or feeling dizzy when they first start taking lercanidipine. These effects are usually mild and only last for a few days.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
