Lacipillum

Lacipil: use, dosage, side effects and interactions with other drugs

Lacipil (lat. Lacidipinum) is a drug belonging to the group of calcium channel blockers of the dihydropyridine group. It is used to treat arterial hypertension and can be used either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs.

Manufacturers of Lacipil are Glaxo Wellcome (Spain) and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals S.A. (Poland). The active substance is lacidipine, which is contained in 2 mg tablets, 4 mg tablets, 2 mg film-coated tablets and 4 mg film-coated tablets.

Indications for use of Lacipil are arterial hypertension. The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its components, aortic stenosis, the period within 1 month after myocardial infarction and in childhood. The use of Lacipil during pregnancy is possible if the expected effect of therapy exceeds the potential risk to the fetus.

Side effects may occur when using Lacipil. Some of them include palpitations, exacerbation of angina pectoris (more often in patients with coronary artery disease and at the beginning of treatment), deterioration of mood, headache, dizziness, asthenia, convulsions, polyuria, edema, nausea, dyspepsia, gastric dysfunction, skin rashes, itching, gingival hyperplasia, hot flashes and a reversible increase in alkaline phosphatase levels.

The interaction of Lacipil with other antihypertensive drugs, including beta-blockers, diuretics and ACE inhibitors, may enhance (additive effect) the hypotensive effect. Lacidipine eliminates the inhibitory effect of cyclosporine on glomerular filtration rate. Cimetidine increases plasma concentrations of lacidipine. Grapefruit juice reduces the bioavailability of Lacipil.

In case of an overdose of Lacipil, symptoms such as severe arterial hypotension and tachycardia may occur. Theoretically, lacidipine can cause bradycardia and slow AV conduction. Treatment is symptomatic.

Caution is required when using Lacipil in patients with pacemaker dysfunction, low cardiac output, unstable angina, liver failure and in the early postoperative period. The use of Lacipil should also be avoided in patients with severe hypotension and shock.

The dosage of Lacipil is determined by the doctor individually for each patient, depending on the severity of the disease and other factors. The usual starting dose is 2 mg per day, which can be increased to 4 mg per day depending on the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug.

Lacipil should be taken orally, regardless of meals, with a small amount of water. The drug can be taken either once or divided into two doses per day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.

In general, Lacipil is an effective drug for the treatment of arterial hypertension. However, like any other medicine, it can cause side effects and interact with other medications. Therefore, before starting to take Lacipil, you should consult your doctor and strictly follow his recommendations on dosage and regimen.