Nicardipine

General

  • Type: Calcium Channel Blocker
  • Dosage Forms: Capsule, Infusion solution, Injectable solution
  • Common Trade Names: Cardene

Adult Dosing

Hypertension

  • PO: 20-40 mg q8hr, or 30-60mg (extended release) q12hr
  • IV: 5 mg/hr by slow infution (50 ml/hr)

Chronic Stable Angina

  • 20-40 mg PO q8hr
  • Allow 3 days between dose increase

Pediatric Dosing

Hypertension

  • 0.5-3 mcg/kg/min IV
  • Not approved by FDA; limited date available

Special Populations

  • Pregnancy Rating: Category C
  • Lactation: Unknown wether drug is excreted in breast milk; avoid use
  • Renal Dosing
    • Adult
    • Pediatric
  • Hepatic Dosing
    • Adult
    • Pediatric

Contraindications

  • Allergy to class/drug

Adverse Reactions

Serious

Common

  • Flushing
  • Peripheral Edema
  • Pedal Edema
  • Hypotension
  • Exacerbation of angina

Pharmacology

  • Half-life: 2-4 hr
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in liver b CYP3A4 (first pass)
  • Excretion: urine (60%), feces (35%)
  • Mechanism of Action: inhibits trasmembrane influx of extracellular calcium ions across membranes of myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells without changing serum calcium concentrations; this inhibit cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contractions, thereby dilating maincoronary and systemic arteries.

See Also

Sources

  • Medscape