Nicardipine is a beta-blocker drug. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the efforts of the heart to pump blood. Increased blood flow and oxygen in the heart can cause chest pain typical of angina.
What is Nicardipine?
Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina.
How should Nicardipine be taken?
Typically, Nicardipine is assumed in the form of capsules or extended-release capsules (strictly to be swallowed whole). The use of traditional capsules typically involves consuming three doses per day, with or without food. The extended-release capsules should be taken twice daily with food, however, the consumption of foods or meals high in fat should be avoided.
Side effects associated with Nicardipine
Possible side effects of Nicardipine include the following:
- Headache
- stomach problems
- dizziness or feeling faint or lightheaded
- redness
- numbness
- rapid heartbeat
- muscle cramps
- constipation
- heartburn
- increased sweating
- dry mouth
You should immediately contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- swelling in the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- fainting
- skin rash
- increased frequency or intensity of pain associated with chest angina
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Nicardipine
The consumption of grapefruit, its juice or substitutes of salt containing potassium can interact with taking Nicardipine. It is advised to ask your doctor how to behave during treatment.
Before you start to take your medicine, you should also inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergy to the active substance, its excipients or any other medication
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal supplements or sedatives. Mentioning in particular: other cardiovascular medications, medications against high blood pressure (including diuretics), carbamazepine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, fentanyl, phenytoin, ranitidine, theophylline and vitamins
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from heart failure or heart disease, kidney or liver disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform surgeons and dentists about an ongoing treatment with Nicardipine.
