Third-generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
ATC code: C08CA13 (Lercanidipine)
A selective L-type calcium channel blocker in vascular smooth muscle cells with high lipophilicity. Gradual deposition in cell membranes provides slow onset and prolonged effect – less reflex tachycardia and peripheral edema than amlodipine and nifedipine. The Ozarda 2014 network meta-analysis showed efficacy comparable to amlodipine with better tolerability.
First line
First-line for hypertension per 2024. Dose 10–20 mg once daily. Particularly suitable in older patients and isolated systolic hypertension. Compared with amlodipine, less peripheral edema – an important advantage in women and with ACE-I or ARB combinations.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Lercanidipine is a third-generation dihydropyridine CCB with slow onset and prolonged action. It is prescribed for hypertension ( 2023, AEMPS Ficha Técnica, SEH-LELHA). In anti-aging regimens, lercanidipine is positioned in older normotensives as a means to improve microcirculation and as anti-aging. In people with normal blood pressure, no clinical studies of prophylactic use exist. The drug can cause ankle edema (less often than amlodipine), dizziness, headache, and flushing. If lercanidipine was prescribed to a person with normal blood pressure, consider seeking a second opinion.
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Limited data. For pregnancy hypertension, labetalol or methyldopa are preferred.
Not used during lactation. Amlodipine or nifedipine with more data are preferred.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Lercanidipine is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Hypertension (evidence tier A), Anti-aging and longevity (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Lercanidipine (≥ 1 in 100): Facial flushing, Headache, Peripheral edema (less than amlodipine), Tachycardia, Dizziness. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category C. Limited data. For pregnancy hypertension, labetalol or methyldopa are preferred.
Not used during lactation. Amlodipine or nifedipine with more data are preferred.
Lercanidipine is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to lercanidipine or other dihydropyridines; Severe hepatic or renal impairment; Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction; Decompensated heart failure; Unstable angina, MI in the last month. Full list in the Safety section.