Ercapin Tablets (Lercanidipine Hydrochloride)

Adult dose

As Lercanidipine Hydrochloride, administer 5 to 10 mg orally once daily at least 15 minutes before meals. The dosage may be increased up to 20 mg depending on the patient's symptoms. Gradual dosage adjustments are required as the maximum antihypertensive effect clearly appears in 2 weeks. While no dosage adjustments are needed for the elderly, caution is required at the start of treatment. Patients with liver or kidney impairment should exercise caution during the initiation phase.

This medication should not be used in certain patients. For example, individuals allergic to this medication or similar drugs, pregnant women or women of childbearing potential, and breastfeeding women should not take this medication. Also, it is not recommended for individuals with serious heart disease, severe liver or kidney disease, those who have recently experienced a myocardial infarction, and children or adolescents under 18 years of age. This drug contains lactose and should be avoided by those with lactose intolerance or specific genetic conditions. There are several precautions to consider when using this medication. Patients with a heart rhythm regulator, weak heart function, or mildly impaired kidney or liver function should use this medication with caution. Those with a history of angina should be mindful as symptoms may rarely worsen. Additionally, if consuming alcohol, the blood pressure-lowering effect of this medication may become stronger, so it is advisable to avoid alcohol. During the use of this medication, symptoms such as facial flushing or swelling of the hands and feet may occur, and headaches, dizziness, fatigue may also be experienced. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea can also occur. There may be liver function abnormalities, so regular examinations are necessary, and if any anomalies are found, usage should be discontinued. This medication can also affect the brain and nervous system, leading to drowsiness or lethargy, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. Moreover, since this medication is metabolized in the liver, interactions may occur when taken with certain drugs. In particular, taking this medication with substances that inhibit or activate enzymes that break down drugs in the liver may alter its efficacy, so consultation with a healthcare provider or pharmacist is necessary. Taking this medication with grapefruit juice may lead to increased blood concentration, so it is advisable to avoid it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take this medication, and appropriate contraception is recommended for those planning to become pregnant. This medication is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18. In the elderly, the initial dosage of the drug should be cautiously determined, and side effects should be closely monitored. In case of overdose, serious hypotension or cardiac issues may occur, so immediate medical attention is required, and cardiovascular status should be monitored for at least 24 hours due to the prolonged action of the medication. This medication should be stored out of reach of children, and it is safer not to change the storage container.

Serious side effects

• Hypotension
• chest pain
• angina
• cold sweats

Mild side effects

Facial flushing, peripheral edema, palpitations, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, neurosis, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, polyuria, frequent urination, gingival hyperplasia, rash, myalgia, tremor, insomnia, dry mouth, hand numbness, cough, abdominal bloating, erectile dysfunction, arrhythmia, skin tingling, premature contractions, tongue stiffness, increased ventricular premature contractions, gastrointestinal disturbances

This medication may be sensitive to air or humidity, so it should be stored in a sealed container. Additionally, it is recommended to store the medication at room temperature, between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. This will help maintain the medication's effectiveness and prevent deterioration.

Appearance

Yellow round film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle