Clevidipine
Clevidipine is an intravenous dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to manage hypertension, particularly in acute settings such as hypertensive emergencies and perioperative hypertension. It works by blocking L-type calcium channels in arterial smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and reducing blood pressure. This medication is administered in intensive care and surgical settings where rapid, controlled blood pressure reduction is needed.
Clevidipine is an IV blood pressure medication that works by blocking calcium channels in arteries to cause vasodilation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08CA16
- RxNorm
- 233603
- Generic
- Clevidipine
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- Cleviprex
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1-2 mg/hour
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to target blood pressure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1 mcg/kg/min
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, titrated to effect
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 mg/hour
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- continuous infusion, start low and titrate cautiously
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug depending on importance to mother
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects
close blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric patients due to lack of safety and efficacy data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno significant adjustment required
can be used with standard dosing, monitor blood pressure
regular blood pressure monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution, monitor blood pressure closely
close blood pressure and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay need dose reduction
use with caution, dose adjustment may be needed
close blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse lower initial dose
use with caution, start with lower dose and titrate slowly
close blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for perioperative hypertension control
Drug class
Classification as calcium channel blocker
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use
Route of administration
Method of drug delivery
Treatment of hypertension in acute care settings, including hypertensive emergencies, perioperative hypertension, and situations requiring rapid blood pressure reduction in hospitalized patients.
As a dihydropyridine L-type calcium channel blocker, clevidipine prevents calcium from entering arterial smooth muscle cells during depolarization, leading to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and vasodilation, which reduces blood pressure.
Clevidipine is administered intravenously in controlled hospital settings with continuous hemodynamic monitoring. Common side effects may include headache, reflex tachycardia, and nausea. Use requires careful titration and monitoring due to its rapid onset and short duration of action.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy