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Nicardipine |
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What is Nicardipine and why is it prescribed? Nicardipine, a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker, is prescribed for the treatment of chronic stable angina and for high blood pressure. When used to treat angina, Nicardipine is effective alone or in combination with beta-blocking medications such as Tenormin or Inderal. If it is used to treat high blood pressure, Nicardipine is effective alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Calcium channel blockers ease the workload of the heart by slowing down its muscle contractions and the passage of nerve impulses through it. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reducing blood pressure. Some doctors also prescribe Nicardipine to prevent migraine headache and to treat congestive heart failure. In combination with other drugs, such as Amicar, Nicardipine is also prescribed to manage neurological problems following certain kinds of stroke. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Nicardipine regularly for it to be effective. Nicardipine does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Nicardipine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nicardipine. Try not to miss any doses. If Nicardipine is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Nicardipine at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Are there any Nicardipine side effects? Nicardipine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nicardipine side effects may include dizziness, flushing, headache, increased chest pain, indigestion, nausea, pounding or rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, swelling of feet, and weakness. Less common Nicardipine side effects may include abnormal dreaming, constipation, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive nighttime urination, fainting, fluid retention, muscle pain, nervousness, rash, shortness of breath, tingling or pins and needles, tremors, vomiting, and vague feeling of bodily discomfort. Rare Nicardipine side effects may include allergic reactions, anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness when standing, depression, hot flashes, increased movements, infection, inflammation of the nose, inflammation of the sinuses, impotence, joint pain, low blood pressure, more frequent urination, ringing in ears, sore throat, unusual chest pain, vertigo, and vision changes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nicardipine? If Nicardipine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nicardipine with Amiodarone (Cordarone), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Phenytoin (Dilantin), or Propranolol (Inderal). Are there any special warnings about Nicardipine? Nicardipine can reduce or eliminate chest pain caused by exertion or exercise. Be sure to discuss with your doctor how much exercise or exertion is safe for you. If you experience increased chest pain when you start taking Nicardipine or when your dosage is increased, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor your progress especially carefully if you have congestive heart failure, particularly if you are also taking a beta-blocking medication such as Tenormin or Inderal. Nicardipine can cause your blood pressure to become too low, making you feel light-headed or faint. Your doctor should check your blood pressure when you start taking Nicardipine and continue to monitor it while your dosage is being adjusted. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, use Nicardipine with caution. |
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