Nicardipine Injection
Generic name: Nicardipine Injection [ nye-KAR-di-peen ]
Brand name: Cardene IV
Drug class: Calcium channel blockers
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 9, 2024.
Uses of Nicardipine Injection:
- It is used to treat high blood pressure.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nicardipine Injection?
- If you have an allergy to nicardipine or any other part of nicardipine injection.
- If you are allergic to nicardipine injection; any part of nicardipine injection; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have narrowing of the main artery from the heart (aorta) or very narrow heart valve (aortic stenosis).
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take nicardipine injection.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with nicardipine injection.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take nicardipine injection with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nicardipine Injection?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take nicardipine injection. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how nicardipine injection affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are taking nicardipine injection and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
- Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using nicardipine injection while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Nicardipine Injection) best taken?
Use nicardipine injection as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Chest pain that is new or worse.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- This medicine may irritate the vein. If the drug leaks from the vein, it may also cause irritation around that area. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.
Related/similar drugs
amlodipine, lisinopril, aspirin, losartan, metoprolol, furosemide, carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, atenolol
What are some other side effects of Nicardipine Injection?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Flushing.
- Headache.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Nicardipine Injection?
- If you need to store nicardipine injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about nicardipine injection, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about nicardipine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: calcium channel blockers
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Nicardipine oral/injection drug information
- Nicardipine (Intravenous) (Advanced Reading)
- Nicardipine (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Nicardipine Capsules
Other brands
Cardene, Cardene IV, Cardene SR
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.