nicardipine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker
Usual setting
Hospital or intensive-care environment under specialist supervision
Administration
Continuous intravenous infusion controlled by a pump; not a bolus injection
Key monitoring
Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored closely during treatment
What is nicardipine hydrochloride used for?
The selected intravenous product is licensed for:
Acute life-threatening hypertension, particularly malignant hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy.
Aortic dissection when a short-acting beta-blocker is unsuitable, or alongside one when beta-blockade alone is insufficient.
Severe pre-eclampsia when other intravenous antihypertensives are unsuitable or contraindicated.
High blood pressure after an operation.
How does nicardipine hydrochloride work?
Nicardipine blocks L-type calcium channels mainly in arterial smooth muscle. This relaxes arteries, lowers peripheral vascular resistance and reduces blood pressure. A temporary reflex increase in heart rate can occur.
nicardipine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10 mg/10 mL
How to take nicardipine hydrochloride
Trained staff administer this formulation as a continuous infusion into a vein using a controlled pump. It is not self-administered or given as a rapid bolus.
Blood pressure and heart rate are checked closely.
The infusion site is observed for pain, redness or inflammation.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while receiving nicardipine.
nicardipine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure, including dizziness on standing
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Swollen legs or ankles
- Nausea or vomiting
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe low blood pressure or collapse
- Chest pain or abnormal heart rhythm
- Pulmonary oedema causing marked breathlessness
- Severe allergic reaction
- Unusual bleeding or bruising from reduced platelets
- Severe abdominal swelling or pain suggesting paralytic ileus
nicardipine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Nicardipine may be used by specialists for severe pre-eclampsia when other intravenous treatments are unsuitable. Nicardipine-specific experience is limited. Maternal blood pressure and signs of pulmonary oedema need close monitoring, particularly if magnesium sulphate is also used.
nicardipine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product information advises that nicardipine should not be used during breastfeeding. A small study found low transfer into milk, but evidence is limited; the clinical team should make a specialist plan and consider better-established alternatives where appropriate.
nicardipine hydrochloride interactions
Important interactions include:
Beta-blockers
May increase the risk of low blood pressure or worsening heart failure, particularly when cardiac function is reduced.
Magnesium sulphate
May increase the risk of excessive blood-pressure reduction or pulmonary oedema.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
Clarithromycin, ritonavir and azole antifungals may increase nicardipine exposure and adverse effects.
CYP3A4 inducers
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and rifampicin may reduce nicardipine exposure.
Common questions about nicardipine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is nicardipine hydrochloride used for?
It is used for acute life-threatening hypertension and high blood pressure after surgery, including specified emergencies such as hypertensive encephalopathy, aortic dissection and severe pre-eclampsia.
How is it given?
The selected formulation is given as a continuous intravenous infusion by trained hospital staff using a controlled pump.
Can it be given as a bolus injection?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.