GENERIC NAME: nicardipine
BRAND NAME: Cardene
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nicardipine belongs to a
class of
medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications
block the
transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the
arteries of
the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction,
blocking
calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates these
arteries.
Relaxing the artery muscles lowers blood pressure, which
reduces the
burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing the
heart
burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for oxygen, and helps
prevent
angina in patients with coronary artery disease. For more
detailed
information related to coronary artery disease, please visit the following articles:
Chest Pain,
Cholesterol, and
Heart Attack Unlike
other calcium blockers, nicardipine has little effect on the
heart muscle
or on the electrical conduction of the heart.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules, 20
and 30 mg. Sustained release capsules, 30, 45, and 60 mg. Injection, 0.1
and 2.5
mg/ml.
STORAGE: Nicardipine should be stored at room temperature in a
tightly
closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Nicardipine dilates arteries in the
body and is
useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It also lowers
the
pressure burden on the heart, and is useful alone or in
combination with
beta- blockers in the treatment of angina related to exertion.
For further
information on beta-blockers, please visit propranolol (Inderal).
DOSING: Oral nicardipine can be administered with or without
food.
Nicardipine is metabolized mainly by the liver with some kidney
excretion.
Dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver or kidney
dysfunction.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Nicardipine can sometimes cause an
increase
in the frequency and duration of angina. The reason for this
side effect
is not clearly understood. Excessively low blood pressures can
occur in
rare instances, especially during initiation of treatment or
following
dose adjustment. Cimetidine (Tagamet) increases nicardipine
levels and its
effects. Safe use of nicardipine in children has not been
established.
NURSING MOTHERS: The medication can enter breast milk
and should
be avoided by nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects
of nicardipine include an increased heart rate due
to the drop
in blood pressure. Other side effects include swelling of the
feet
(edema), dizziness, headaches, flushing, palpitations, and
nausea.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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