Cardene (Intravenous)

Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases the workload on the heart and arteries. If it lasts for a long time, the heart and arteries may not work properly. This can harm the blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys, leading to a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also raise the risk of heart attacks. Controlling blood pressure may help reduce the chances of these problems.

Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by changing how calcium moves into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This helps relax blood vessels, increase blood and oxygen supply to the heart, and lower its workload.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Your doctor will provide you with only a few doses of this medicine until your condition gets better. After that, you will be changed to another medicine that works in a similar way. If you have any questions about this, please talk to your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will weigh the risks against the benefits. Here are important things to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies have not been done to determine how age affects the use of nicardipine in children. Its safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

Geriatric

Studies so far have not shown specific problems in older adults that would limit the use of nicardipine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to assess the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the possible risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others can be used together, even if there might be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is very important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been highlighted due to their potential significance, but this list may not include all possibilities.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may choose not to prescribe this medication or adjust the other medicines you are taking.

• Levoketoconazole

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency for one or both.

• Atazanavir
• Clarithromycin
• Clopidogrel
• Cyclosporine
• Dantrolene
• Darunavir
• Digoxin
• Droperidol
• Epirubicin
• Fentanyl
• Itraconazole
• Lacosamide
• Melphalan
• St John's Wort
• Tacrolimus
• Vecuronium

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but it may be the best treatment for you. If both are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency for one or both.

• Dalfopristin
• Fluconazole
• Indinavir
• Ketoconazole
• Magnesium
• Quinupristin
• Rifapentine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food to avoid interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. The following interactions have been highlighted due to their potential significance, but this list may not include all possibilities.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical conditions may affect how this medicine works. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Aortic stenosis (narrowing of a valve in your heart), severe—This medicine should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Chest pain (angina) or
• Congestive heart failure or
• Heart disease or
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)—Use with caution, as it may worsen these conditions.

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Use with caution because the effects of this medicine may be stronger due to slower removal from the body.

• Recent stroke—The blood pressure-lowering effects of this medicine may be increased.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at site
• blood in urine
• chills
• cold sweats
• convulsions
• decreased urine
• dry mouth
• extra heartbeat
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• frequent urination
• increased thirst
• increased volume of pale, dilute urine
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• shortness of breath

Rare

• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in urine or stools
• bone pain
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• changes in skin color
• chest pain
• chest tightness or heaviness
• convulsions
• discharge, excessive tearing
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
• headache, sudden and severe
• increased need to urinate
• nervousness
• pain, tenderness, or swelling of foot or leg
• passing urine more often
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• pounding in the ears slow or fast heartbeat
• redness, pain, or swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
• swelling around the eyes or the whole face
• troubled breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

• Sleepiness
• slurred speech

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
• excessive muscle tone
• fever
• hearing loss
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle stiffness
• muscle tension or tightness
• neck pain
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• wheezing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Cardene
• Cardene IV

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Calcium Channel Blocker

Chemical Class: Dihydropyridine

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.