Lercamen

Lerkamen has an intense antihypertensive effect. The principle of action of the drug is based on the selective blocking of the activity of calcium endings. The component lercanidipine can inhibit the movement of calcium ions inside smooth muscle tissues with cardiomyocytes.

The drug reduces systemic resistance of peripheral vessels, and at the same time gradually expands their lumen, preventing the occurrence of collapse and reflex tachycardia. The drug does not have a negative inotropic effect.

Indications Lerkamena

It is used in case of development of primary hypertension, which has a moderate or mild degree of intensity.

Release form

The drug is produced in the form of tablets with a volume of 10 or 20 mg. The blister pack contains 7 or 10 tablets.

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Pharmacokinetics

The drug is well absorbed in the digestive tract. Cmax values in plasma are noted after 1.5-3 hours. About 98% of the active ingredient is synthesized with intraplasmic protein.

Bioavailability indicators of the drug increase after eating, which is why it is necessary to take the drug on an empty stomach. An increase in the level of bioavailability is also observed in the case of an increase in dosage.

The metabolic processes of the drug occur inside the liver, which is why it has a weak absolute bioavailability – only 10%.

The antihypertensive effect of Lerkamen is observed for 24 hours. The active ingredient is excreted by the kidneys; the half-life is 10 hours.

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Dosing and administration

The medicine is taken orally. The tablet shell must not be damaged or crushed. If the medicine is taken on an empty stomach, its therapeutic effectiveness increases. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.

The medicine should be taken in a dose of 10 mg, once a day. If after 2 weeks of such use the blood pressure indicators do not decrease, you can switch to taking a single dose of 20 mg.

The drug is taken on an empty stomach, washing down the tablets with plain water. Exceeding the daily dose of 20 mg does not lead to potentiation of the antihypertensive effect, but causes an increase in the intensity and frequency of development of adverse negative symptoms.

If Lerkamen does not help to reduce elevated blood pressure, it is necessary to use additional antihypertensive agents from other drug groups.

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Use Lerkamena during pregnancy

The drug should not be prescribed during breastfeeding or pregnancy.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• left ventricular vascular obstruction;
• SN;
• personal intolerance associated with lercanidipine;
• lactose intolerance;
• unstable angina;
• myocardial infarction in the active phase;
• the presence of SSSU (in individuals who do not use a pacemaker).

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Side effects Lerkamena

Side effects include:

• problems associated with the functioning of the nervous system: dizziness, migraines and circadian rhythm disorders;
• disorders affecting the digestive function: gastralgia, problems with digestion, bowel disorders, increased AST and ALT values, and dyspepsia (nausea with vomiting);
• cardiovascular damage: discomfort or pain in the chest area, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure and increased incidence of angina attacks;
• other symptoms: manifestations of allergies, polyuria, hyperemia, increased frequency of urination, swelling, muscle pain and gingival hyperplasia.

Overdose

Intoxication is accompanied by drowsiness, nausea, decreased blood pressure, ischemic changes affecting myocardial tissue, and cardiogenic shock. In such situations, vomiting should be induced and the patient should be given enterosorbents with laxatives.

Severe poisoning requires the use of catecholamines, dopamine and diuretics. In case of a decrease in blood pressure, bradycardia and loss of consciousness, atropine can be administered. Therapy is performed in a hospital. Hemodialysis sessions will be ineffective.

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Interactions with other drugs

The absorption of Lerkamen is potentiated when using midazolam.

Substances that induce the action of CYP3A4, cyclosporine with ethyl alcohol, and grapefruit juice should not be used during the use of the drug.

The medication should be used with extreme caution in combination with large doses of cimetidine (over 0.8 g).

The bioavailability indices of the active component of the drug increase along with the potentiation of the negative inotropic effect in the case of the administration of β-blockers.

After starting lercandipine, it is necessary to change the dosage of digoxin.

To reduce the likelihood of a negative interaction effect, a 10-hour interval should be observed between the administration of simvastatin and Lerkamen.

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Storage conditions

Lerkamen should be stored at a temperature no higher than 25°C.

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Shelf life

Lerkamen can be used within a 36-month period from the date of release of the pharmaceutical product.

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Application for children

Not for use in pediatrics (persons under 18 years of age).

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Analogues

The analogs of the drug are the substances Zanidip Recordati, Lervask and Lerkathon with Zanikor.

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Reviews

Lerkamen receives only positive reviews from patients on medical websites and forums. The drug helps to stabilize blood pressure readings after 14 days of continuous use (in people with stage 1 hypertension). It is noted that side effects develop quite rarely, and when combined with other antihypertensive drugs, it is effective in cases of hypertension of stage 2-3 intensity.

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