Cardimed Warnings

Beta-Blocker Withdrawal: Nicardipine is not beta-blocker and therefore gives no protection against the dangers of abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal; any such withdrawal should be by gradual reduction of dose of beta-blocker.
Rapid Decrease in Blood Pressure: No clinical events have been suggestive of a too rapid decrease in blood pressure with Nicardipine hydrochloride injection. However, as with antihypertensive agent, blood pressure lowering should be accomplished over as long a time as is compatible with the patient's clinical status.
Use in Patients with Angina: Increases in frequency, duration, or severity of angina have been seen in chronic oral therapy with Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules. Induction or exacerbation of angina has been seen in less than 1% of coronary artery disease patients treated with Nicardipine hydrochloride injection. The mechanism of this effect has not been established.
Use in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: Nicardipine hydrochloride injection reduced afterload without impairing myocardial contractility in preliminary hemodynamic studies of CHF patients. However, in vitro and in some patients, a negative inotropic effect has been observed. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using Nicardipine hydrochloride injection, particularly in combination with a beta-blocker, in patients with CHF or significant left ventricular dysfunction.
Use in Patients with Pheocromocytoma: Only limited clinical experience exist in use of Nicardipine hydrochloride injection for patients with hypertension associated with pheocromocytoma. Caution should be therefore be exercised when using the drug in these patients.
Peripheral Vein Infusion Site: To minimize the risk of peripheral venous irritation, it is recommended that the site of infusion of Nicardipine hydrochloride injection be changed every 12 hours.