Nicardipine Injection

What is this medicine?

NICARDIPINE (nye KAR de peen) is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes your blood vessels and decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It treats high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)

• heartbeat rhythm changes (trouble breathing; chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls)

• heart failure (trouble breathing; fast, irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, hands; unusually weak or tired)

• low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• facial flushing

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat

• cimetidine

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• fentanyl

• tacrolimus

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This drug is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding in the brain

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• stroke

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicardipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this drug.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.