Nicardipine is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control. It relaxes your blood vessels which helps to lower your blood pressure.
This medicine may also be used on its own or together with other medicines to manage long-term angina (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood supply).
Take Nicardipine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Nicardipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- unstable angina (chest pain that occurs randomly or unexpectedly)
- sudden attack of chest pain
- cardiogenic shock (a serious sudden condition when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs of the body)
- recent heart attack (within 1 month)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
as Nicardipine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. mild to moderate aortic stenosis, abnormally thick heart muscle that results in blockage of blood flow, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- recent stroke
- pulmonary oedema (fluid buildup in the lungs)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. blood test for adrenal gland function), inform your doctor that you are taking Nicardipine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Your doctor may also need to perform an ECG (test used to record the electrical activity of the heart) while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of heart failure may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Nicardipine may cause dizziness and drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, stomach upset, indigestion, flushing, muscle pain, excessive sweating, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
- new or worsening chest pain, lightheadedness, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back
- rapid heartbeat
- severe dizziness, passing out
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. atenolol, propranolol
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nicardipine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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