What is the Difference Between Amlodipine and Lercanidipine?

Amlodipine and lercanidipine are both antihypertensive drugs belonging to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. They are used to treat high blood pressure and have a similar mechanism of action. However, there are some differences between the two medications:

1. Efficacy: Both amlodipine and lercanidipine have been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. However, some studies suggest that lercanidipine may have a slightly superior effect in terms of blood pressure reduction compared to amlodipine.
2. Tolerability: Lercanidipine has been associated with a lower incidence of vasodilation-related side effects, particularly pedal edema (swelling of the feet), compared to amlodipine. In a study comparing the two drugs, amlodipine patients had significantly higher rates of edema (19%) and early study discontinuations due to edema (8.5%) compared to lercanidipine.
3. Adverse Events: Both drugs can cause adverse events, but the incidence of peripheral edema, a common side effect, is lower with lercanidipine (9%) compared to amlodipine (19%). This difference in tolerability may potentially enhance treatment outcomes by promoting better adherence to therapy.

In conclusion, both amlodipine and lercanidipine are effective antihypertensive drugs with a similar mechanism of action. However, lercanidipine has been associated with a lower incidence of vasodilation-related side effects, particularly pedal edema, compared to amlodipine.

Comparative Table: Amlodipine vs Lercanidipine

Amlodipine and lercanidipine are both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) used to treat hypertension, but they have some differences in their effects on the body. Here is a table comparing the two medications:

Amlodipine is a prototype dihydropyridine CCB, while lercanidipine is a newer dihydropyridine compound with lipophilic properties. Both drugs have similar efficacy in reducing blood pressure. However, the oedema-forming potential of amlodipine is greater than that induced by lercanidipine. Additionally, lercanidipine is associated with fewer adverse effects compared to amlodipine. For patients who develop adverse effects as a result of using other CCBs, lercanidipine may be a better choice.