Nicardipine

Nicardipine is a drug to lower blood pressure in hypertension. With more controlled blood pressure, the risk of complications due to hypertension, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, or vision impairment, will decrease.

Nicardipine is a calcium antagonist drug that works by inhibiting and controlling the flow of calcium into heart cells and blood vessels, so that blood vessels are more relaxed and blood flow is smoother. That way, the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart will increase, and the workload of the heart will decrease.

In Indonesia, nicardipine is available as an injection that will be given directly by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor.

Brand names of nicardipine: Blistra, Carsive, Dipitenz, Nicafer, Nicarfion, Nicardipine HCl, Nicardipine Hydrochloride, Nidaven, Perdipine, Quadipine, Tensilo, Verdif

What is Nicardipine

 Warnings Before Using Nicardipine

This medicine can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not use nicardipine if you are allergic to this medicine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from heart failure, hypotension , coronary heart disease, stroke , kidney disease, liver disease, or heart valve disease , such as aortic stenosis.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness, while undergoing treatment with nicardipine, because this drug can cause dizziness .
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and grapefruit while using nicardipine.
• Tell your doctor if you are using nicardipine before undergoing surgery, including dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• See a doctor immediately if an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose occurs after using nicardipine.

Dosage and Administration of Nicardipine

The initial dose of nicardipine is 3–5 mg per hour by infusion. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 15 mg per hour if necessary. Reduce the dose to 2–4 mg per hour if the patient's condition and blood pressure begin to stabilize.

How to Use Nicardipine Correctly

Nicardipine is available as an injection given by infusion. This medicine will be given directly by  a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will also monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate while nicardipine is administered.

Hypertension often does not cause complaints or symptoms. Therefore, you need to perform periodic examinations during treatment therapy with nicardipine to monitor your body's response to treatment.

Nicardipine does not cure hypertension, but only helps control it. Use the medicine according to the instructions and dosage determined by the doctor to lower and maintain blood pressure at a safe level.

The use of nicardipine should be accompanied by the application of a healthy lifestyle to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. This can be done by:

• Consume low-fat and low-salt foods
• Maintain an ideal weight
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol
• Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day

Interactions of Nicardipine with Other Drugs

The following are drug interaction effects that can occur if nicardipine is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of heart failure or worsening heart failure if used with beta -blocking drugs , such as propranolol, carvedilol , or atenolol
• A decrease in the level of nicardipine in the blood if used with carbamazepine or rifampicin
• Increased levels of nicardipine in the blood if used with cimetidine
• Increased levels of ciclosporin , tacrolimus, sirolimus , or digoxin in the blood

In addition, if used together with alcohol or grapefruit , the level of nicardipine in the blood can increase so that the risk of side effects will also be greater.

Side Effects and Dangers of Nicardipine

Side effects that may arise after using nicardipine are:

• Turn
• Headache
• Stomach ache or heartburn
• Flushing or feeling warm in the face, neck, or chest
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, legs, hands, or eyes
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Blurred vision
• Chest feels heavy and tight
• Chest pain
• Pass out