Anti-inflammatoryactivity of calciumchannel blocker lercanidipine hydrochloride

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the third-generation CCB, lercanidipine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ability of lercanidipine to reduce inflammation in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats was evaluated, using different doses and its anti-inflammatory effect was compared with that of diclofenac sodium. Mast cell degranulation effect of lercanidipine was also carried out. RESULTS: Lercanidipine produced a significant reduction in the inflammatory paw edema at all doses and at all intervals (P < 0.001). The percentage of reduction in edema was found to be proportionate to the doses of lercanidipine. Lercanidipine also significantly reduced the percentage of propranolol-induced mast cell degranulation. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that lercanidipine exerts a positive anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent manner and was superior to diclofenac sodium.