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Can you take Diltiazem with Nicardipine?

1 drug interaction and 26 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

dilTIAZem niCARdipine

Applies to: diltiazem and nicardipine

DilTIAZem may increase the blood levels and effects of niCARdipine. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition.

It can be intentional, when combining drugs with similar actions adds demonstrated therapeutic benefit — or unintentional, such as when a patient sees multiple prescribers or fills prescriptions at more than one pharmacy, which can lead to adverse effects.

Duplication:

Calcium channel blockers

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category:

  • diltiazem
  • nicardipine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

dilTIAZem Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: diltiazem

Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and add to the effects of dilTIAZem. You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat if you drink alcohol with dilTIAZem, especially when you first start taking the medication or just after a dose increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase the effects of dilTIAZem in some people by increasing its levels in the blood. You may want to limit alcohol intake and avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with dilTIAZem. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with dilTIAZem, do not alter the amounts of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor or other healthcare professional. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects of dilTIAZem such as headache, irregular heartbeat, swelling, unexplained weight gain, or chest pain. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

Moderate:

niCARdipine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: nicardipine

You should avoid or limit the consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice if you are receiving treatment with niCARdipine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of medications like niCARdipine. You may be more likely to experience side effects such as headache, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, swelling, and fluid retention. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

niCARdipine Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: nicardipine

Ethanol and niCARdipine may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in pulse or heart rate, especially when treatment is started, the dose is changed, or treatment is restarted. Tell your doctor promptly if these symptoms occur and seek urgent medical help if you faint or have severe dizziness. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

dilTIAZem multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: diltiazem

Using dilTIAZem together with multivitamins with minerals can decrease the effects of dilTIAZem. Talk with your doctor before using dilTIAZem and multivitamins with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

niCARdipine multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: nicardipine

Using niCARdipine together with multivitamins with minerals can decrease the effects of niCARdipine. Talk with your doctor before using niCARdipine and multivitamins with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

20 potential interactions Applies to: 12 conditions, including Heart Failure, Heart Attack, Hypotension, Liver Disease, and Ventricular Arrhythmia.

Aortic Stenosis

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Aortic Stenosis.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. CCBs whose pharmacologic effect is partially dependent on their ability to reduce afterload (e.g., diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil) may be of less benefit in these patients due to a fixed impedance to flow across the aortic valve and may, in fact, worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance. Rarely, heart failure has developed following the initiation of these CCBs, particularly in patients receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy.

Major:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a major potential interaction with Aortic Stenosis.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. CCBs whose pharmacologic effect is partially dependent on their ability to reduce afterload (e.g., diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil) may be of less benefit in these patients due to a fixed impedance to flow across the aortic valve and may, in fact, worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance. Rarely, heart failure has developed following the initiation of these CCBs, particularly in patients receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Major:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Heart Attack

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Diltiazem has demonstrated a negative inotropic effect in isolated animal tissue preparations but rarely in clinical situations. Hemodynamic studies in humans with normal ventricular function and in patients with a compromised myocardium have not shown a reduction in cardiac index nor consistent negative effects on contractility. However, worsening of congestive heart failure has been reported in patients with preexisting impairment of ventricular function. Therapy with diltiazem should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, diltiazem should not be given to patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened. Mild symptoms of cardiac failure should be under control, if possible, prior to initiating diltiazem therapy.

Moderate:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have varying degrees of negative inotropic effect. Congestive heart failure (CHF), worsening of CHF, and pulmonary edema have occurred in some patients treated with a CCB, primarily verapamil. Some CCBs have also caused mild to moderate peripheral edema due to localized vasodilation of dependent arterioles and small blood vessels, which can be confused with the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction. Although some CCBs have been used in the treatment of CHF, therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, caution is advised in patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened by administration of a CCB.

Heart Block

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome (unless a functioning pacemaker is present), or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). CCBs like bepridil, diltiazem and verapamil have a negative effect on AV conduction and the SA node and may exacerbate these conditions.

Heart Failure

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Diltiazem has demonstrated a negative inotropic effect in isolated animal tissue preparations but rarely in clinical situations. Hemodynamic studies in humans with normal ventricular function and in patients with a compromised myocardium have not shown a reduction in cardiac index nor consistent negative effects on contractility. However, worsening of congestive heart failure has been reported in patients with preexisting impairment of ventricular function. Therapy with diltiazem should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, diltiazem should not be given to patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened. Mild symptoms of cardiac failure should be under control, if possible, prior to initiating diltiazem therapy.

Moderate:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have varying degrees of negative inotropic effect. Congestive heart failure (CHF), worsening of CHF, and pulmonary edema have occurred in some patients treated with a CCB, primarily verapamil. Some CCBs have also caused mild to moderate peripheral edema due to localized vasodilation of dependent arterioles and small blood vessels, which can be confused with the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction. Although some CCBs have been used in the treatment of CHF, therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, caution is advised in patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened by administration of a CCB.

Hypotension

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Major:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, have rarely developed during initiation or dosage increase of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease and those treated with immediate-release formulations. The mechanism of this effect is not established. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

Major:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, have rarely developed during initiation or dosage increase of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease and those treated with immediate-release formulations. The mechanism of this effect is not established. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

Liver Disease

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

Major:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

Preexcitation Syndrome

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Preexcitation Syndrome.

The use of intravenous diltiazem is contraindicated for the management of atrial flutter or fibrillation in patients with an accessory AV tract (e.g., those with Wolff-Parkinson-White or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome). Diltiazem can cause ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest in such patients, the mechanism of which is related to the drug's ability to shorten the refractory period and accelerate antegrade conduction within the accessory pathway.

Renal Dysfunction

Major:

nicardipine

niCARdipine has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

The systemic clearance of nicardipine has been shown to decrease in patients with renal impairment. Mean plasma concentrations were approximately two-fold higher than in healthy controls. Therapy with nicardipine should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal function.

Moderate:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Diltiazem is extensively metabolized by the liver and subsequently excreted in the urine, primarily as metabolites. Limited data suggest that the pharmacokinetic disposition of diltiazem is not altered in the presence of renal insufficiency or even end-stage renal disease. However, the effects of possible metabolite accumulation have not been studied. The manufacturers recommend that therapy with diltiazem be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal function. Laboratory parameters of renal function should be monitored at regular intervals.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome (unless a functioning pacemaker is present), or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). CCBs like bepridil, diltiazem and verapamil have a negative effect on AV conduction and the SA node and may exacerbate these conditions.

Ventricular Arrhythmia

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Ventricular Arrhythmia.

The use of intravenous diltiazem or verapamil is contraindicated in patients with ventricular tachycardia. IV administration of a calcium channel blocker can precipitate cardiac arrest in such patients. Marked hemodynamic deterioration and ventricular fibrillation have occurred in patients with wide-complex ventricular tachycardia (QRS >= 0.12 seconds) treated with IV verapamil.

More resources

diltiazem

A total of 771 drugs are known to interact with diltiazem.

nicardipine

A total of 529 drugs are known to interact with nicardipine.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.