nicardipine Health Article

What should I avoid while taking nicardipine?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nicardipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.

Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking nicardipine.

What are the possible side effects of nicardipine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nicardipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• unusually fast or slow heartbeats;

• fainting or severe dizziness;

• abnormal behavior or psychosis;

• chest pain or worsening angina;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take nicardipine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• unusual headache, fatigue, or tiredness;

• dizziness;

• flushing;

• rash;

• insomnia;

• vivid or abnormal dreams;

• increased urination;

• dry mouth;

• nausea or constipation; or

• nervousness or tremor.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect nicardipine?

Before taking nicardipine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• another heart medication to treat the same or another condition;

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral).

You may not be able to take nicardipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with nicardipine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about nicardipine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Nicardipine is available with a prescription under the brand names Cardene and Cardene SR. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Cardene 20 mg--opaque-white/white hard-gelatin capsules with a brilliant blue band

• Cardene 30 mg--light-blue/powder-blue hard-gelatin capsules with a brilliant blue band

• Cardene SR 30 mg--opaque-pink/pink hard-gelatin capsules

• Cardene SR 45 mg--opaque-powder-blue/powder-blue hard-gelatin capsules

• Cardene SR 60 mg--opaque-light-blue/white hard-gelatin capsules

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.