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Nicardipine (oral/injection)

Generic name: nicardipine (oral/injection) [ nye-KAR-di-peen ]
Brand names: Cardene IV, Cardene, Cardene SR
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (0.1 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 0.2 mg/mL-NaCl 0.83%; 0.2 mg/mL-NaCl 0.9%; 2.5 mg/mL; 20 mg/200 mL-NaCl 0.86%; 40 mg/200 mL-NaCl 0.83%), ... show all 2 dosage forms
Drug class: Calcium channel blocking agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 30, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nicardipine?

Nicardipine oral is used in adults alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina).

Nicardipine injection is used in adults to treat high blood pressure.

Nicardipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Nicardipine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregivers if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

You may have more severe or more frequent episodes of chest pain when you first start taking nicardipine, or whenever your doses are changed.

Nicardipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of nicardipine may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use nicardipine if you have severe narrowing of the aortic valve in your heart (aortic stenosis).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use nicardipine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known if nicardipine will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications or medical problems in both mother and baby. The benefit of treating hypertension may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I use nicardipine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Nicardipine oral is taken by mouth.

Nicardipine injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Nicardipine is usually given by injection only if you are unable to take medicine by mouth.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need frequent blood tests.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using nicardipine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Do not change your dose or stop taking any medication without your doctor's advice.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose of nicardipine injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.

What should I avoid while using nicardipine?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect nicardipine?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect nicardipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.