Nicardipine (By injection)
nye-kar-di-peen
Treats high blood pressure.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, nicardipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription .
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other blood pressure medicine such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, quinapril, Accupril®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, or Zestril®.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), cimetidine, or cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®).
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nicardipine, or if you have aortic stenosis (a type of blood vessel problem).
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while receiving this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have angina (chest pain), heart disease, or congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland). Tell your doctor if you have had a recent stroke or brain injury with severe bleeding.
Make sure your doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause a problem with medicine given during surgery or a procedure.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody urine.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
Fast or uneven heartbeat.
Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Pain, itching, or swelling where the needle is placed.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cardene, Cardene IV, Novaplus niCARdipine HCl, PremierPro Rx niCARdipine HCl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
