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Nicardipine (Cardene)
📖 About
- 💊 Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
- Acts selectively on L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle → vasodilation 🫀.
- Always check the BNF link here for up-to-date prescribing advice.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- Reduces systemic vascular resistance.
- Minimal direct effect on cardiac contractility or conduction compared with non-dihydropyridines.
🔗 Interactions
- See BNF (CYP3A4 interactions may be clinically significant).
⚠️ Cautions
- Uncontrolled heart failure or pulmonary oedema 🌊.
- Recent myocardial infarction ❤️.
📊 Nicardipine (Cardene) Dosing (BNF/local guidance must be checked)
| Indication | Dose / Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 🌡️ Hypertension / Angina | 20–30 mg PO three times daily | PO |
| 🚨 Severe Hypertension (e.g. SBP >200 mmHg, DBP >120 mmHg) | Start 3–5 mg/hour IV infusion over 15 min; titrate upwards depending on BP response | IV infusion |
| 🤰 Preeclampsia (severe hypertension in pregnancy) | Maintenance 2–4 mg/hour IV infusion | IV infusion |
| 👴 Elderly patients | Lower maintenance dose 1–5 mg/hour IV infusion | IV infusion |
⚠️ IV nicardipine must only be given in a monitored setting (HDU/ITU/CCU) with continuous blood pressure monitoring.
⛔ Contraindications
- Severe aortic stenosis 🚫.
- Acute porphyrias.
💥 Side Effects
- Common: flushing, headache, dizziness, hypotension, palpitations, peripheral oedema, constipation, abdominal pain 🤢.
- Occasional: rash, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, syncope.
- Reflex tachycardia may occur with marked vasodilation ⚡.
🚨 Overdose
- Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, agitation, dizziness, confusion, coma 🧠.
- Metabolic acidosis & hyperglycaemia may occur.
- Severe hypotension due to profound vasodilatation → requires urgent supportive care (fluids, vasopressors, ICU monitoring).
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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