Nicardipine
Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart's workload through blocking calcium influx into smooth and cardiac muscle. This medication is typically prescribed when first-line treatments are insufficient.
Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker that treats high blood pressure and angina by relaxing blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08CA04
- RxNorm
- 7396
- Generic
- Nicardipine
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- Cardene
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule
- 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
- 30mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1 mg/kg/day divided TID
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 30mg once daily or twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and maternal blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid abrupt discontinuation; monitor for hypotension
close maternal and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
nicardipine is excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose and titrate slowly
initiate therapy at low end of dosing range; monitor for orthostatic hypotension
regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established in neonates
close cardiovascular monitoring if used
pediatric_age
children adolescentsuse with caution; limited data available
safety and efficacy not established; use only in specialized settings
careful hemodynamic monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno major dose adjustment required
monitor blood pressure response; no initial dose adjustment needed
regular renal function and blood pressure monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
monitor closely for hypotension; start at lower doses
close monitoring of blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildmay require lower dose
monitor blood pressure response
monitor blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce initial dose and titrate carefully
use with caution; significant hepatic impairment may affect metabolism
frequent blood pressure and liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval year for Nicardipine
Drug class
Drug class classification
Primary indications
Primary therapeutic uses
Treatment of hypertension and management of stable angina (chest pain). Often used when other blood pressure medications are not effective enough.
As a calcium channel blocker, nicardipine inhibits calcium ion influx into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells, causing relaxation of blood vessel walls, vasodilation, and reduced peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers blood pressure.
May cause headache, flushing, or peripheral edema. Should not be stopped abruptly as this may worsen angina. Contraindicated in severe aortic stenosis. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment. May interact with other blood pressure medications and certain heart drugs.
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