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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS › SELECTIVE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS WITH MAINLY VASCULAR EFFECTS › Dihydropyridine derivatives
nicardipine
C08CA04
Forms & Strengths
- Capsules: 20mg, 30mg
- Injectable solution: 2.5mg/mL, 5mg/2mL
- Oral tablets: 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg
- Extended-release tablets: 30mg, 45mg, 60mg
Adult Dosing
- Hypertension: 20mg PO tid, titrate to 20-40mg PO tid
- Angina: 20mg PO tid, titrate to 30-60mg PO tid
- IV: 5mg/15min, titrate to 5-15mg/hr
Pediatric Dosing
- Not established for patients under 18 years old
- Use with caution in pediatric patients due to limited data
Indications
- Chronic stable angina
- Vasospastic angina
- Hypertension
Mechanism of Action
- Calcium channel blocker, selectively inhibits L-type calcium channels
- Reduces myocardial oxygen demand by dilating coronary arteries
- Decreases peripheral vascular resistance, lowers blood pressure
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nicardipine or other dihydropyridines
- Severe aortic stenosis
- Acute myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion
Adverse Reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Peripheral edema
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole): increase nicardipine levels
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampin): decrease nicardipine levels
- Beta blockers: additive negative inotropic effect
- Digoxin: increased digoxin levels, monitor for toxicity
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use