What is Cardene?

Cardene also known as Nicardipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Nicardipine is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Nicardipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase, your chest pain is more frequent or severe).

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease.
• This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain structural heart problem (aortic stenosis).

Also be aware that:

• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, or swelling ankles/feet may occur. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat.
• Vision changes
• Although this medication is effective in preventing chest pain (angina), some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience: worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating).
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What special dietary instructions should I follow?

A: Regular nicardipine capsules may be taken with or without food. The extended-release capsules should be taken with food, but avoid high-fat foods or high-fat meals.

Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Q: What should I do if I forget a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.