Lacidipine, also known as Motens, is a calcium-channel blocker specifically used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
| Type of medicine | A calcium-channel blocker |
|---|---|
| Used for | High blood pressure |
| Also called | Motens® |
| Available as | Tablets |
About lacidipine
Lacidipine is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). People with hypertension often feel fine, but untreated high blood pressure can damage the heart, blood vessels, and lead to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes.
Lacidipine belongs to a group of medicines called calcium-channel blockers. It works by blocking calcium from entering muscle cells in blood vessel walls. This relaxes the muscles, widens the vessels, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure.
Clinical studies show lacidipine 2-6 mg daily effectively controls blood pressure in 77-87% of patients with mild to moderate hypertension over 1-4 months. It provides 24-hour coverage, with greater effects during daytime activity.
As a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker, lacidipine has high vascular selectivity and a long duration of action (elimination half-life 13-19 hours). It may also offer antioxidant benefits, potentially protecting against atherosclerosis, though long-term outcomes are still studied.
Before taking lacidipine
To ensure lacidipine is safe, discuss the following with your doctor:
- If you have a heart condition, such as angina (chest pain), recent heart attack, heart failure, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- If you have aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, or unstable angina.
- If you have liver problems (hepatic impairment), as dose adjustments may be needed.
- If you have a rare blood disorder called porphyria.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. Use caution; consult your doctor.
- If you are elderly or have poor cardiac reserve.
- Any allergies to medicines, especially other calcium-channel blockers.
- All other medications, including over-the-counter, herbal remedies, or supplements. Lacidipine interacts with antihypertensives, cimetidine, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole), inducers (e.g., rifampicin), and grapefruit juice.
Do not take lacidipine if: You have contraindications like recent acute MI (within 1 month), severe aortic stenosis, or cardiogenic shock.
How to take lacidipine
Take lacidipine exactly as prescribed. It is usually a long-term treatment.
- Dosage: Start with 2 mg once daily, preferably in the morning. Your doctor may increase to 4 mg, then up to 6 mg daily after 3-4 weeks based on response. Maximum 6 mg/day.
- Tablets: Available as 2 mg and 4 mg film-coated tablets. Swallow whole with water, with or without food.
- Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered unless near next dose. Do not double up.
- Stopping: Do not stop abruptly; taper gradually to avoid rebound hypertension.
| Week | Dose |
|---|---|
| Initial | 2 mg once daily |
| After 3-4 weeks | Increase to 4 mg if needed |
| Further adjustment | Up to 6 mg max |
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly. If undergoing surgery or dental work, inform your healthcare provider, as lacidipine can interact with anaesthetics.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Take at the same time daily for steady blood levels.
- Lifestyle helps: Eat healthily, exercise, limit alcohol, quit smoking, maintain healthy weight.
- Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and adjust dose.
- Treatment is typically lifelong unless advised otherwise.
Side effects
Most people tolerate lacidipine well. Common side effects are mild and transient, similar to other dihydropyridines.
| Side Effect | Frequency | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | Common (transient) | Usually improves; paracetamol if needed |
| Flushing (face) | Common (transient) | Avoid hot drinks/alcohol; resolves |
| Ankle oedema (swelling) | Common | Elevate legs; usually mild |
| Dizziness/weakness | Common | Avoid driving/machinery; sit/lie until better |
| Palpitations/tachycardia | Less common | Monitor; contact doctor if persistent |
| Nausea/abdominal discomfort | Occasional | Simple foods; avoid spicy/fatty meals |
| Rash/pruritus | Rare | Seek medical advice |
Serious side effects (rare): Increased angina, myocardial infarction, QT prolongation, symptomatic hypotension, syncope, gingival hyperplasia, polyuria. Seek immediate help for chest pain, severe dizziness, or swelling.
Overdose: Hypotension, tachycardia/bradycardia. Supportive care required.
If concerned, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is lacidipine used for?
A: Lacidipine treats high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce heart strain.
Q: How quickly does lacidipine work?
A: Blood pressure lowers within days, but full effects may take weeks. Peak plasma in 30-150 minutes; 24-hour control with once-daily dosing.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking lacidipine?
A: Limit alcohol; it can enhance blood pressure lowering and worsen dizziness or flushing.
Q: Does lacidipine cause weight gain?
A: Not typically; ankle oedema is fluid-related, not fat gain. Lifestyle helps manage.
Q: Is lacidipine safe for long-term use?
A: Yes, it’s for long-term hypertension management. Regular monitoring ensures safety.
Q: What if I miss a dose?
A: Take promptly unless near next dose. Never double; consult doctor if multiple misses.
Additional Information
Lacidipine is highly protein-bound (>95%) and metabolized by CYP3A4 in the liver, with 70% excreted in faeces. Store below 30°C, protected from light.
It may cause false-negative aldosterone/renin ratio tests. Comparable efficacy to other antihypertensives like enalapril or atenolol.
Always follow professional advice; this is not a substitute for medical consultation.
References
- Lacidipine tablets for high blood pressure (Motens) — Patient.info. 2023. https://patient.info/medicine/lacidipine-tablets-for-high-blood-pressure-motens
- Lacidipine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in the treatment of hypertension — DrugBank. 1994-11-01. https://go.drugbank.com/articles/A31537
- Lacidipine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More – Singapore — MIMS Singapore. 2025. https://www.mims.com/singapore/drug/info/lacidipine?mtype=generic
- Lacidipine: a review of its use in the management of essential hypertension — PubMed (Drugs 2003). 2003-10-01. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14524737/
- Lacidipine 2 mg and 4 mg Film-coated Tablets — medicines.org.uk (SmPC). 2023. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15061.pdf
- Calcium-channel Blockers: how do they work? — Patient.info. 2023. https://patient.info/heart-health/calcium-channel-blockers-leaflet
