Calcium-channel blockers
Lacidipine
A long-acting calcium-channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure; ankle swelling and flushing are common.
What is Lacidipine?
Lacidipine is a calcium-channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes and widens the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on the heart. It is generally well tolerated but can cause ankle swelling, flushing and headache, and grapefruit should be avoided as it can increase the amount in the blood.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Lacidipine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Lacidipine is a long-acting calcium-channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type, used in the UK to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood flows more easily, which lowers blood pressure. It is taken regularly as a long-term medicine, and like other medicines in its class it tends to cause swelling of the ankles and flushing rather than affecting the heart rate.
How it works
Lacidipine blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels. Calcium is needed for these muscles to tighten, so blocking it allows the vessels to relax and widen. Wider vessels mean blood flows with less resistance, which lowers blood pressure. The same widening of small vessels explains common effects such as flushing, headache and ankle swelling.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Developed by Glaxo (now part of GSK)..
Lacidipine is a long-acting calcium-channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type, introduced for high blood pressure and marketed in the UK as Motens.
What it treats
Conditions Lacidipine is used for
Practical use
How to take Lacidipine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it regularly as prescribed, usually at the same time each day, even when you feel well.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase the amount of medicine in your blood.
- Headache and flushing are common at first and usually settle after a short while.
- If you notice ankle swelling, mention it at your next review, as it is a known effect.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one — do not double up.
- Do not stop it on your own without speaking to your prescriber, as your blood pressure may rise again.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Lacidipine
Advantages
- It is long-acting, giving smooth blood-pressure control across the day.
- It does not slow the heart, so it can suit people who cannot take heart-rate-slowing medicines.
- It is generally well tolerated and effective at lowering blood pressure.
Disadvantages
- It commonly causes ankle swelling, which water tablets do not relieve.
- Flushing and headache are common, especially early on.
- Grapefruit must be avoided, as it can raise the level of medicine in the blood.
Practical use
Good to know
Lacidipine is taken regularly to keep blood pressure controlled rather than only when you feel unwell. It commonly causes mild ankle swelling, flushing and headache, particularly when starting, and these often settle. It is best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase the amount of medicine in your blood. It is taken long-term, and the benefit is in lower cardiovascular risk over time rather than how you feel day to day.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with certain severe heart valve narrowing (aortic stenosis) or unstable heart conditions.
- People who have recently had a heart attack or have uncontrolled heart failure, used with caution.
- People with significant liver problems, in whom it is used carefully.
Monitoring
- Regular blood-pressure checks to see how well it is working.
- Watching for troublesome ankle swelling, flushing or headache.
- Reviewing the overall blood-pressure treatment plan over time.
Side effects
- Ankle or leg swelling.
- Flushing and headache.
- Dizziness and palpitations.
- Occasionally tiredness or stomach upset.
Key interactions
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase the level of medicine in the blood.
- Other blood-pressure-lowering medicines, which add to its effect.
- Some medicines that affect the same liver enzymes can change how much lacidipine is in the blood.
Available as: Tablets.
Answers
Lacidipine: frequently asked questions
Why are my ankles swollen on lacidipine?
Ankle swelling is a common effect of calcium-channel blockers like lacidipine because they widen small blood vessels. It is usually harmless but tell your prescriber if it is troublesome, as water tablets do not relieve it and a change of medicine may help.
Can I eat grapefruit with lacidipine?
It is best avoided. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the amount of lacidipine in your blood, which may increase side effects.
Will lacidipine make my heart race?
Some people notice flushing or palpitations, especially when starting, and these usually settle. Tell your prescriber if they continue or are troublesome.
Do I take lacidipine forever?
High blood pressure is usually a long-term condition, so lacidipine is normally taken long-term. Do not stop it without advice, as your blood pressure is likely to rise again.
When is the best time to take lacidipine?
Take it once a day at a time that is easy to remember and stick to it. Being consistent helps keep your blood pressure steady.
The wider class
About Calcium-channel blockers
Lacidipine belongs to the calcium-channel blockers class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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