Cardimed Special Precautions

General: Blood Pressure: Because Nicardipine hydrochloride injection decreases peripheral resistance, monitoring of blood pressure during administration is required. Nicardipine hydrochloride injection, like other calcium channel blockers, may occasionally produce symptomatic hypotension. Caution is advised to avoid systemic hypotension when administering the drug to patients who have sustained an acute cerebral infarction or haemorrhage.
Use in Patients with Impaired Hepatic Function: Since Nicardipine is metabolized in the liver, the drug should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver functions or reduced hepatic blood flow. The use of lower dosages should be considered. Nicardipine administered intravenously has been reported to increase hepatic venous pressure gradient by 4 mmHg in cirrhotic patients at a high doses (5 mg/20 min). Nicardipine hydrochloride injection should therefore be used with caution in patients with portal hypertension.
Use in Patients with Impaired Renal Function: When Nicardipine hydrochloride injection was given to mild to moderate hypertensive patients with moderate renal impairment, a significantly lower systemic clearance and higher AUC was observed. These results are consistent with those seen after oral administration of Nicardipine. Careful dose titration is advised when treating renal impaired patients.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Not known.