Cardene

Pronunciation: nye-KAR-di-peen
Generic Name: Nicardipine
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Cardene is used for:

Treating high blood pressure and certain types of angina (chest pain) in adults. It may be used in combination with other high blood pressure and angina medicines. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cardene is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduce angina (chest pain).

Do NOT use Cardene if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cardene


• you are breast-feeding


• you have advanced narrowing of your aorta (stenosis)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cardene:

Some medical conditions may interact with Cardene. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure (CHF) or other heart problems, adrenal gland problems (eg, pheochromocytoma), liver or kidney problems, low blood pressure, or lung congestion associated with heart attack, or have had a stroke


• you have CHF and you are taking a beta-blocker or you are having beta-blocker withdrawal

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cardene. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cimetidine because it may increase the risk of Cardene's side effects


• Cyclosporine or digoxin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Cardene

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cardene may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cardene:

Use Cardene as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Cardene can be given with or without food, but should not be given with a high-fat meal.


• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Cardene unless your doctor directs you otherwise.


• If you miss a dose of Cardene, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cardene.

Important safety information:

• Cardene may cause dizziness or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cardene with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medicine even though you may not feel quite "normal." Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms.


• Maximum lowering of blood pressure occurs approximately 1 to 2 hours after taking the medicine. Blood pressure should be taken 1 to 2 hours after the medicine has been taken.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Cardene before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are using intravenous (IV) calcium.


• Lab tests, including blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, and monitoring of heart rate, may be performed while you use Cardene. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cardene while you are pregnant. Cardene is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cardene.

If you suddenly stop taking Cardene, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms including increased chest pain (angina) and more frequent chest pain.

Possible side effects of Cardene:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; headache; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); calf pain, swelling, or redness; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased chest pain; pounding in the chest; shortness of breath or wheezing; swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands; unusual bruising or bleeding.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Cardene side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; drowsiness; flushing; fast or slowed heart rate; slurred speech; weakness.

Proper storage of Cardene:

Store Cardene at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cardene out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Cardene, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Cardene is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cardene. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Cardene resources

• Cardene Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cardene Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Cardene Drug Interactions
• Cardene Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Cardene - Add your own review/rating

• Cardene Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cardene Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cardene Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)


• Cardene Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Cardene IV Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cardene SR Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Nicardipine Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Cardene with other medications

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• High Blood Pressure