<p>Lercanidipine is a selective calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine group and it inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium into smooth muscle. The mechanism of its antihypertensive action is due to a direct relaxant effect on vascular smooth muscle, thus lowering total peripheral resistance. Lercanidipine is endowed with a prolonged antihypertensive activity because of its high membrane partition coefficient and is devoid of negative inotropic effects due to its high vascular selectivity.</p>