From the Guidelines
Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate, thereby reducing blood pressure. According to the evidence provided by 1, calcium channel blockers, including nicardipine, reduce cell transmembrane inward calcium flux, inhibiting both myocardial and vascular smooth muscle contraction. The medication is primarily used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris, and it can be administered intravenously for acute blood pressure management or orally for chronic hypertension management.
Some key points to consider when using nicardipine include:
- It has minimal negative inotropic effects on the heart, making it safer for patients with heart failure, as noted in 1.
- Common side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing, and peripheral edema due to its vasodilatory properties, as listed in 1.
- The usual dose of nicardipine is 20 to 40 mg 3 times daily, with a short duration of action, as specified in 1.
- Nicardipine should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as severe left ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary edema, as warned in 1.
Overall, nicardipine is a valuable medication for managing hypertension and angina, but its use should be carefully considered in patients with certain medical conditions. As stated in 1, the choice of calcium channel blocker should be based on the individual patient's needs and medical history.
From the FDA Drug Label
Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium channel blocker) The drug class of Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker 2.
- Key words: calcium ion influx inhibitor, slow channel blocker, calcium channel blocker The main idea is that Nicardipine belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers.
From the Research
Nicardipine Drug Class
- Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically a dihydropyridine-type Ca(2+) channel blocker 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- It is commonly used in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, and related cardiovascular disorders 3, 4, 5, 6
- Nicardipine works by antagonizing calcium influx through the slow channel of the cell membrane, resulting in potent coronary and peripheral arterial dilator properties 3
- It is also used to prevent vasospasm and improve clinical outcomes in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and has been investigated in the treatment of cognitive deterioration of vascular origin 7
Mechanism of Action
- Nicardipine's exact mechanism of action has not been precisely defined, but its potent coronary and peripheral arterial dilator properties are of major importance 3
- It improves oxygen supply/demand and reduces systemic vascular resistance, making it an effective treatment for stable effort angina and rest angina due to coronary artery spasm, and mild to moderate hypertension 3
Clinical Uses
- Nicardipine is used as initial monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension 3
- It is also used in the treatment of angina pectoris, including stable chronic exercise-induced angina pectoris and possibly angina at rest due to coronary artery spasm 3, 5
- Nicardipine has been investigated in the treatment of other disorders, such as congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and cognitive deterioration of vascular origin 5, 7