nicardipine
| Pronunciation: | nye KAR di peen |
| Brand: | Cardene, Cardene SR |
Cardene 20 mg
blue/white, imprinted with CARDENE 20 mg, ROCHE
Cardene 30 mg
blue, imprinted with CARDENE 30MG, ROCHE
Cardene SR 30 mg
pink, imprinted with CARDENESR 30MG, ROCHE
Cardene SR 45 mg
blue, imprinted with CARDENESR 45MG, ROCHE
Cardene SR 60 mg
blue/white, imprinted with CARDENESR 60MG, ROCHE
Nicardipine 20 mg-MYL
turquoise/white, imprinted with MYLAN 1020
Nicardipine 20 mg-TEV
turquoise/white, imprinted with 93 793
Nicardipine 30 mg-MYL
green/yellow, imprinted with MYLAN 1430
Nicardipine 30 mg-TEV
blue/white, imprinted with 93 794
What is the most important information I should know about nicardipine?
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Do not stop taking nicardipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse. |
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Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release (SR) capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nicardipine?
Before taking nicardipine, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.
You may not be able to take nicardipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
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Nicardipine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether nicardipine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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Nicardipine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take nicardipine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from nicardipine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take nicardipine?
Take nicardipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
|
Do not crush, break, or chew the extended-release (SR) capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. |
|
Do not stop taking nicardipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse. |
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nicardipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
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Store nicardipine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
Symptoms of a nicardipine overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
What should I avoid while taking nicardipine?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nicardipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.
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Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking nicardipine. |
What are the possible side effects of nicardipine?
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nicardipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: |
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
- fainting or severe dizziness;
- abnormal behavior or psychosis;
- chest pain or worsening angina;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- swelling of the legs or ankles.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take nicardipine and talk to your doctor if you experience
- unusual headache, fatigue, or tiredness;
- dizziness;
- flushing;
- rash;
- insomnia;
- vivid or abnormal dreams;
- increased urination;
- dry mouth;
- nausea or constipation; or
- nervousness or tremor.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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