Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: NICARDIPINE CAPSULE - ORAL (nye-KAR-deh-peen)
BRAND NAME(S): Cardene
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nicardipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.
HOW TO USE: This medication should be swallowed whole and is best taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. This drug must be taken as directed if used to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's permission. Chest pain can occur if the medication is stopped too fast. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience fatigue or weakness, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache or flushing. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, liver or kidney disease, any allergies. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Other calcium channel blockers are known to be excreted and breast-feeding is not recommended while taking those drugs. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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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