Lacidipine

This medicine contains the active ingredient lacidipine which belongs to a group of medicines called 'calcium-channel blockers'. They lower the amount of calcium in the walls of the arteries and in the heart. Lacidipine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels, and improving the blood circulation around the body.

Is Lacidipine suitable for me?

Lacidipine is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to lacidipine, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
• if you are suffering from serious problems with your heart rhythm or heart failure
• if you have had a heart attack during the last month
• if you have the heart problem ‘aortic stenosis’(narrowing of a valve in your heart)

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have any other problems with your heart or heartbeat
• have liver or kidney problems
• have porphyria (blood disorder)

Lacidipine interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Lacidipine?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take lacidipine exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual starting dose is one 2 mg tablet taken once a day (in the morning). This dose can be increased to 4 mg tablet taken once a day or, in the case of very high blood pressure, to the maximum 6 mg taken once a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Lacidipine side effects?

Like all medicines lacidipine can cause side effects, including:

• headache, dizziness, low blood pressure
• indigestion, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
• dry mouth 
• fast heart beat
• nausea
• rash, redness of the skin, itching
• an increase in the amount of water (urine) that you pass
• weakness
• changes in results of liver blood tests

 Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.