Nicardipine: Information from Answers.com

Brand names: Cardene®Cardene® IV

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:

Nicardipine Hydrochloride Oral capsule (below)
Nicardipine Hydrochloride Oral capsule, extended-release
Nicardipine Hydrochloride Solution for injection

Español:

Nicardipine Hydrochloride Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

NICARDIPINE (nye KAR de peen) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain caused by angina.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•heart problems, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•previous heart attack
•an unusual or allergic reaction to nicardipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Avoid taking this medicine with fatty foods. They can interfere with the effect of this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take Nicardipine with any of the following:
•cisapride
•pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•cimetidine
•cyclosporine
•digoxin
•fentanyl
•grapefruit juice
•local anesthetics or general anesthetics
•medicine for high blood pressure or heart problems

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•blood in the urine
•difficulty breathing
•fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•reduced amount of urine passed
•skin rash
•swelling of the legs and ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•facial flushing
•headache
•weakness or tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.