What is Nicardipine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Nicardipine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cardene SR

Generic Names:

  • Nicardipine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Cardiovascular Agent, Antihypertensive, Antianginal

Forms:

  • Long Acting Capsule, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Nicardipine used for?

What form(s) does Nicardipine come in

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Capsule

What are common Nicardipine doses?

  • Capsule 20MG

  • Capsule 30MG

Common Nicardipine prescriptions

  • niCARdipine HCl
    20mg capsule

  • niCARdipine HCl
    30mg capsule

  • niCARdipine HCl
    10ml of 2.5mg/ml vial

How to take Nicardipine

  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nicardipine

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

Nicardipine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to nicardipine or to similar medicines (such as verapamil, Adalat®, Calan®, Cardizem®, Lotrel®, Plendil®, Procardia®), or if you have a heart condition called aortic stenosis (narrowing of a valve in your heart).

Nicardipine warnings

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to use less and less before stopping it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart failure, stomach problems, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Nicardipine interactions

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to use less and less before stopping it completely.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • There are many other medicines that can interact with nicardipine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using. This includes over-the-counter medicines that can increase your blood pressure (such as diet pills, cold and allergy medicines, or asthma medicines).

Nicardipine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

  • Skin rash

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Stomach discomfort

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Flushing or feeling warm

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