Dipical
Dipical Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Dipical is a brand name. Its generic name is Lercanidipine.
Introduction
Dipical is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine class. It belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers and helps to keep the heart muscles relaxed. It is used to lower blood pressure, treat chest pain and to prevent stroke.Uses For
Dipical is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, angina and coronary artery disease. It can also be used to lower the risk of a stroke or a heart attack, as well as treating related symptoms.Mechanism of Action
Dipical works by blocking the channels that allow calcium to enter the cells of the blood vessels. This relaxes the walls of the blood vessels, which in turn reduces the flow of blood through the vessels and thus decreases blood pressure.How Long Does It Take to Work?
Dipical usually takes between 2-4 hours to reach its peak effect. Although it may take some patients up to 24 hours to experience the full effects.Absorption
Dipical is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentration occurring about 1.5 hours after administration.Route of Elimination
Dipical is primarily eliminated in the faeces. Less than 5% is eliminated in the urine.Dosage
The recommended starting dose for lercanidipine is 10 mg once daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 20 mg once daily after 2 to 4 weeks.Administration
Dipical should be administered orally. It can be taken with or without food.Side Effect
Common side effects of lercanidipine include headache, dizziness, flushing and nausea. Less common side effects include palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pain.Toxicity
The toxicity of lercanidipine is not well-defined. No clinical trials have been conducted to assess the potential for acute overdosing.Precaution
Patients taking lercanidipine should avoid alcohol and other recreational drugs, as they can increase the risk of serious side effects. Patients should also avoid grapefruit, as it can increase the levels of lercanidipine in the body and increase the risk of side effects.Interaction
Dipical can interact with other medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants and calcium channel blockers. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking before starting lercanidipine.Disease Interaction
The use of lercanidipine is contraindicated in certain diseases, including heart failure, certain types of chest pain (angina) or a history of myocardial infarction. Patients should inform their doctor if they have any existing medical conditions before taking lercanidipine.Drug Interaction
Dipical can interact with other drugs, including other calcium channel blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking before starting lercanidipine.Food Interactions
Dipical can interact with certain foods, including grapefruit, licorice, ginseng and St. John's Wort. Patients should avoid these foods while taking lercanidipine.Pregnancy Use
Dipical is classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug and should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.Lactation Use
Dipical should not be used while breastfeeding.Acute Overdose
Dipical overdose can lead to hypotension, arrhythmias, coma and death. An overdose should be treated immediately.Contraindication
The use of lercanidipine is contraindicated in certain conditions, including known hypersensitivity, severe heart failure, pregnancy and breastfeeding.Use Direction
Dipical should be taken exactly as prescribed. The dose may need to be adjusted for optimal effect, and the doctor should be consulted if any questions arise.Storage Condition
Dipical should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of lercanidipine is approximately 11 L/kg.Half Life
The half-life of lercanidipine is approximately 5 hours and may vary depending on the dose and individual patient.Clearance
The clearance of lercanidipine is approximately 12 mL/min/kg.Here you find in details version of Dipical
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Dipical
What is Dipical?
Dipical is a medicine used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medicines called dihydropyridines, which help to relax and widen the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them.
How does Dipical work?
Dipical works by blocking of calcium channels in the muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and widen. This reduces both the resistance to blood flow through the vessels, as well as the pressure of the blood inside them.
What is Dipical used to treat?
Dipical is used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It is also used to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and other heart-related complications in people at high risk.
How do I take Dipical?
Dipical should be taken orally, usually once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dosage depending on how your body responds to the medicine. It is important to take it exactly as prescribed and to not increase or decrease your dosage without consulting your doctor first.
How long does it take for Dipical to work?
Dipical usually takes several weeks to show its full effects. It may take two to three months to reach its peak effectiveness.
Is Dipical safe?
Yes, Dipical is generally considered safe when taken as prescribed. However, like all drugs, it can cause some side effects. If you experience any side effects, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
What are common side effects of Dipical?
Common side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing of the face, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and chest pain. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
Are there any serious side effects of Dipical?
Rare but serious side effects include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and liver failure. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Dipical?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Dipical, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects. If you must drink, it should be in moderation and with your doctor's approval.
Can I take Dipical with other medicines?
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, before taking Dipical. Some medicines may interact with Dipical and should not be taken at the same time, so it is important to check with your doctor before taking them together.
Can I take Dipical if I am pregnant?
It is not recommended to take Dipical if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious side effects to the developing fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking Dipical.
Can I take Dipical if I am breastfeeding?
It is not recommended to take Dipical while breastfeeding, as it can be passed through breast milk to the baby and cause serious side effects. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking Dipical.
Does Dipical affect fertility?
Dipical has not been found to affect fertility in humans. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you are trying to conceive.
Can I take Dipical with other hypertension medicines?
Yes, Dipical can be taken with other antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking before taking Dipical.
Should I take Dipical with food or on an empty stomach?
It is recommended to take Dipical twice daily, either with food or on an empty stomach. It is important to take it at the same time every day, as this helps to make sure the medicine is reaching its peak effectiveness.
How long should I take Dipical?
It is important to take Dipical for the full amount of time your doctor has prescribed. Do not stop taking Dipical without consulting your doctor first, as your blood pressure may rise again.
Will Dipical make me sleepy?
Dipical can cause drowsiness and fatigue in some people. It is important to take caution when driving or operating machinery, and not to consume alcohol while taking Dipical.
Can I take other medicines while taking Dipical?
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking before taking Dipical. Some medicines may interact with Dipical and should not be taken at the same time, so it is important to check with your doctor before taking them together.
Can I take Dipical if I am over 65?
Yes, Dipical is safe to take in people over the age of 65. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication if you are over 65.
Can I take Dipical if I have diabetes?
Yes, Dipical can be taken safely by people with diabetes. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have diabetes, as some medicines may interact with Dipical.
Is Dipical covered by insurance?
It depends on the insurance plan and coverage. It is best to contact your insurance provider to find out if Dipical is covered under your plan.
Is Dipical available in generic form?
Yes, Dipical is available in generic form. Generic medicines are usually less expensive and may be covered by your insurance plan. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a generic form of Dipical.
Is there an alternative to Dipical?
Yes, there are other medicines that can be used to treat high blood pressure. It is important to talk to your doctor about other options before stopping or changing your medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Dipical?
If you miss a dose of Dipical, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next scheduled dose, it is best to skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.
What should I do if I overdose on Dipical?
If you think you have overdosed on Dipical, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Overdose symptoms include weakness, dizziness, confusion, slow heart rate, and fainting.
How do I store Dipical?
Dipical should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and moisture. It is important to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if my Dipical capsules look different than usual?
If the color or shape of your Dipical capsules look different than usual, it is important to contact your pharmacist or doctor right away. This may indicate an issue with the manufacturing process and it is important to get a new supply of the medicine.
Can Dipical be used to lower cholesterol levels?
No, Dipical is not used to lower cholesterol levels. However, it can help to reduce risk of other health complications such as stroke and heart attacks, which are associated with high cholesterol.
Does Dipical interact with any other medications?
Yes, Dipical may interact with other medications, including blood pressure medicines, antibiotics, and some antidepressants. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, before taking Dipical.
Does Dipical cause weight gain?
Dipical itself usually does not cause weight gain. However, it is important to check with your doctor if you are experiencing unexplained weight gain while taking this medicine.
Does Dipical help reduce the risk of other cardiovascular problems?
Yes, Dipical can help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems in people with high blood pressure. It is important to take the medicine as prescribed and to get regular check-ups with your doctor in order to ensure it is effective.
What should I do if I think Dipical is not working effectively for me?
If you think Dipical is not working effectively for you, it is important to contact your doctor right away. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medicine if necessary.
Is Dipical suitable for long-term use?
Yes, Dipical can be used for long-term management of high blood pressure. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and to get regular check-ups in order to ensure the medicine is still effective.
What are general lifestyle changes I can make to reduce my high blood pressure?
General lifestyle changes for reducing high blood pressure include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress levels. It is important to talk to your doctor about any lifestyle changes you may want to make before starting them.
What is the difference between Dipical and other similar medicines?
Dipical belongs to a class of medicines called dihydropyridines, which work by blocking of calcium channels in muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and widen. Other similar medicines that belong to this class are amlodipine, felodipine, and nifedipine.
Is Dipical available over the counter?
No, Dipical is not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a doctor. It is important to take it exactly as prescribed and to not increase or decrease your dosage without consulting your doctor first.