Nicarson

Moderate to severe HTN where immediate correction of BP is required (ie, hypertensive emergencies or urgencies). Peri-op & post-op HTN. Short-term treatment of essential HTN when oral therapy is not feasible or desirable.

IV Individualized dosage. Adult Initially 3-5 mg/hr for 15 min, may be increased by increments of 0.5 or 1 mg every 15 min. Max infusion rate: 15 mg/hr. Maintenance dose: 2-4 mg/hr. Elderly Initially 1-5 mg/hr. Increase or decrease by increments of 0.5 mg/hr after 30 min depending on the effect observed. Max infusion rate: 15 mg/hr. Pregnant women Initially 1-5 mg/hr. May be increased or decreased by increments of 0.5 mg/hr after 30 min depending on the effect observed. Max infusion rate: 15 mg/hr.

Hypersensitivity. Advanced aortic stenosis, compensatory HTN, unstable angina. Patients w/ rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance.

Monitor BP & heart rate both during & after the infusion; avoid too rapid or excessive reduction in either systolic or diastolic BP during parenteral treatment. Avoid in patients w/ acute cerebral infarction or hemorrhage & systemic hypotension. Increased frequency, duration or severity of angina in chronic oral therapy. Concomitant use w/ β-adrenergic blocking agents; β-blocker w/drawal should be done by gradual dose reduction over 8-10 days. Impaired renal & liver function or reduced hepatic blood flow. Pheochromocytoma. Administer through central veins rather than arteries or small peripheral veins to decrease the possibility of venous thrombosis, phlebitis, local irritation, swelling, extravasation & vascular impairment. Pregnancy & lactation. Childn <18 yr. Elderly.

Asthenia, chest pain, fever, neck pain, malaise, fatigue, peripheral or facial edema, infection, arthralgia; hypotension, postural/exertional hypotension, tachycardia, ECG abnormality, ventricular extrasystoles, extrasystoles, hemopericardium, HTN, supraventricular tachycardia, syncope, vasodilation, ventricular tachycardia, angina pectoris, AV block, ST segment depression, inverted T wave, DVT, sick sinus syndrome, flushing, palpitations, MI, atrial fibrillation, pericarditis, peripheral vascular disorder; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, anorexia, heartburn; hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperglycemia, abnormal hepatic function test results, increased plasma renin conc; headache, dizziness, hypesthesia, intracranial hemorrhage, paresthesia, confusion, hypertonia, somnolence, insomnia, hot flashes, vertigo, hyperkinesia, impotence, mental depression, anxiety, CVA, cerebral ischemia, lassitude, nervousness, lightheadedness; thrombocytopenia; dyspnea, resp disorder, rhinitis, sinusitis; sweating, inj site reaction & pain, rash; polyuria, hematuria, increased urinary frequency, nocturia, urinary retention; conjunctivitis, abnormal or blurred vision, ear disorder, tinnitus.

Excessive decrease in BP & reduced cardiac function w/ β-blocker (eg, propranolol) in patients w/ CHF. Increased plasma level w/ cimetidine. May increase plasma levels of digitalis prep. Concomitant use w/ fentanyl anesth may cause hypotension. Increases ciclosporin plasma levels. Other antihypertensive agents.

Calcium Antagonists

Rx