Lacidipine: review of analytical methods developed for pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological fluids.

Lay abstract Lacidipine (LAC) is a calcium channel blocker used to reduce blood pressure in hypertension. It has good hydrophobic interactions that gives high distribution of drug in the lipophilic membrane. Chemically, it is (E)-4-[2-[3-(1, 1-dimethylethoxy)-3-oxo-1-propenyl] phenyl]-1, 4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-3,5 pyridine di-carboxylic acid diethyl ester that contains dihydropyridine ring responsible for antihypertensive activity. It is the most commonly used antihypertensive drug as it has high vascular selectivity, tolerability and large dose acceptability with negative ionotropic effects. In spite of anti-hypertensive activity, it shows anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial and antioxidant effects such as Vitamin E. It has such an important role in treating the life-threatening cardiovascular disorders. The various formulations are available in the market pertaining to this drug. In order to assess the pharmacokinetic parameters, toxicological properties and to estimate the exact concentration of LAC, various analytical techniques are employed for the estimation of LAC in pharmaceutical dosage forms, biological matrices and for the physical characterization of LAC. Here these methods are described to give a clear glance for the future scientists to develop few more easily adoptable methods.