nicardipine (oral/injection)

Pronunciation: nye KAR di peen

NiCARdipine Hydrochloride

slide 1 of 8, NiCARdipine Hydrochloride,

30 mg, capsule, blue/yellow, imprinted with MYLAN 1430

Image of NiCARdipine Hydrochloride
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NiCARdipine Hydrochloride

slide 2 of 8, NiCARdipine Hydrochloride,

20 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with E501

Image of NiCARdipine Hydrochloride
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NiCARdipine Hydrochloride

slide 3 of 8, NiCARdipine Hydrochloride,

30 mg, capsule, blue, imprinted with E501

Image of NiCARdipine Hydrochloride
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Cardene

slide 4 of 8, Cardene,

20 mg, blue/white, imprinted with CARDENE 20 mg, ROCHE

Image of Cardene
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Cardene

slide 5 of 8, Cardene,

30 mg, blue, imprinted with CARDENE 30MG, ROCHE

Image of Cardene
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NiCARdipine Hydrochloride

slide 6 of 8, NiCARdipine Hydrochloride,

20 mg, capsule, blue/white, imprinted with MYLAN 1020

Image of NiCARdipine Hydrochloride
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NiCARdipine Hydrochloride

slide 7 of 8, NiCARdipine Hydrochloride,

20 mg, turquoise/white, imprinted with 93 793

Image of NiCARdipine Hydrochloride
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NiCARdipine Hydrochloride

slide 8 of 8, NiCARdipine Hydrochloride,

30 mg, blue/white, imprinted with 93 794

Image of NiCARdipine Hydrochloride
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What is the most important information I should know about nicardipine?

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

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nicardipine?

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

  • severe narrowing of the aortic valve in your heart (aortic stenosis).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • other heart conditions such has congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease;
  • low blood pressure;
  • brain injury or bleed;
  • liver disease; or
  • kidney disease.

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 this medicine 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 are the possible side effects of nicardipine?

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • heart problems --swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
  • fast or uneven heart rate.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, dizziness, weakness;
  • low blood pressure, fast heartbeats;
  • swelling in your feet;
  • flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); or
  • nausea, vomiting.

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.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about nicardipine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.