Nicardipine is a drug to lower blood pressure in hypertension. With more controlled blood pressure, the risk of complications due to hypertension, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, or visual disturbances will decrease.
Nicardipine is a calcium antagonist drug that works by inhibiting and controlling the flow of calcium into heart cells and blood vessels, so that blood vessels are more relaxed and blood flow is smoother. That way, the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart will increase, and the workload of the heart will decrease.
In Indonesia, nicardipine is available in the form of an injection that will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
nicardipine trademark: Blistra, Carsive, Dipitenz, Nicafer, Nicarfion, Nicardipine HCl, Nicardipine Hydrochloride, Nidaven, Perdipine, Quadipine, Tensilo, Verdif
What is Nicardipine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Calcium antagonist |
| Benefit | Overcoming hypertension and preventing angina |
| Used by | Mature |
| Nicardipine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus Nicardipine can be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using this drug. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Nicardipine
This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use nicardipine if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart failure, hypotension, coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart valve disease, such as aortic stenosis.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking nicardipine, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and grapefruit while taking nicardipine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking nicardipine before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking nicardipine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Nicardipine
The initial dose of nicardipine is 3-5 mg per hour by infusion. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 15 mg per hour if needed. Reduce the dose to 2–4 mg per hour if the patient's condition and blood pressure stabilize.
How to Use Nicardipine Correctly
Nicardipine is available as an injection that is given through an IV. This medicine will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will also monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate while nicardipine is given.
Hypertension often does not cause complaints or symptoms. Therefore, you need to have regular check-ups during treatment with nicardipine to monitor your body's response to treatment.
Nicardipine cannot cure hypertension, it only helps control it. Use the drug as directed and the dose prescribed by the doctor to lower and keep blood pressure at a safe level.
The use of nicardipine should be accompanied by the application of a healthy lifestyle to increase the effectiveness of treatment. This can be done by:
- Eat low-fat and low-salt foods
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol
- Regularly exercise at least 30 minutes every day
Nicodipine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of drug interactions that may occur if nicardipine is used together with other medicines:
- Increased risk of developing heart failure or worsening heart failure if used with beta-blocking drugs, such as propranolol, carvedilol, or atenolol
- Decreased blood levels of nicardipine when used with carbamazepine or rifampicin
- Increased blood levels of nicardipine when used with cimetidine
- Increased blood levels of the drugs ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus, or digoxin
In addition, if used together with alcohol or grapefruit, levels of nicardipine in the blood can increase so that the risk of side effects will also be greater.
Side Effects and Dangers of Nicardipine
Side effects that may arise after using nicardipine are:
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Stomach pain or heartburn
- Flushing or a warm feeling in the face, neck, or chest
- Nauseous
- Muscle cramp
- Constipation
- Swelling of the legs or feet
- dry mouth
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, feet, hands, or eyes
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision
- Chest feels heavy and tight
- Chest pain
- Faint