Nicardipine (Intravenous)

Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases the stress 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 chance of heart attacks. These issues may be less likely if blood pressure is kept under control.

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 and improves blood and oxygen flow to the heart while lowering its workload.

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

Your doctor will only give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then you will be switched to another medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have 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 show how nicardipine affects children. Its safety and effectiveness for kids have not been established.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the usefulness of nicardipine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies on the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all. In other cases, two different medicines can be used together, even if there may be an interaction. If you are receiving this medicine, it is very important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the following medicines. The interactions listed below are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may choose not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Levoketoconazole

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

• 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 taking both may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with specific foods because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. The interactions listed below are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Aortic stenosis (narrowing of a valve in your heart), severe—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. May worsen these conditions.

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects of this medicine may be stronger because the body removes it more slowly.

• 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.