Nicardipine (Nicardipine)
Overview of Nicardipine
Nicardipine Hcl is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocking agent used for the treatment of vascular disorders such as chronic stable angina, hypertension, and Raynaud's syndrome. its mechanism of action and clinical effects closely resemble those of nifedipine and the other dihydropyridines (amlodipine, felodipine), except that nicardipine is more selective for cerebral and coronary vessels. Furthermore, nicardipine does not intrinsically decrease myocardial contractility and may be useful in the management of congestive heart failure. Nicardipine also has a longer half-life than nifedipine. Nicardipine was approved by the FDA in December 1988. Mechanism of action is similar to nifedipine, nicardipine inhibits the influx of extracellular calcium across the cell membranes of myocardial and vascular smooth muscle without altering serum calcium concentrations and inhibits intracellular phosphodiesterase. The decrease in intracellular calcium inhibits the contractile processes of the myocardial smooth muscle cells, resulting in dilation of the coronary and systemic arteries. These effects elicit an increased oxygen delivery to the myocardial tissue, and a decreased total peripheral resistance, systemic blood pressure, and afterload.
Indication of Nicardipine
Nicardipine is primarily indicated in conditions like Angina, Cerebrovascular disease, Hypertension, Mild to moderate hypertension, Prophylaxis of angina.
Contraindication of Nicardipine
Nicardipine is contraindicated in conditions like Aortic stenosis,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Nicardipine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Nicardipine, which give rise to further complications include Nausea, Allergic reactions, Orthostatic hypotension, Jaundice, Jaundice, Psychosis, Palpitation, Flushing, Headache, Oedema, Dizziness, Heat sensation.,Nicardipine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Myocardial infarction, Angina pectoris, Syncope, Hypotension, syncope, Pericarditis, Ventricular tachycardia, Atrial fibrillation. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Nicardipine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Nicardipine include Bradycardia, Hypotension, Flushing, Coma, Drowsiness, Drowsiness, Confusion, Palpitations, Dizziness, AV block, Hepatic necrosis, Weakness, Slurred speech, Chest pain, Hepatic function abnormalities.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Nicardipine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Dyspnea, Tachycardia, Insomnia, Tinnitus, Abdominal pain, Rashes, Frequent of micturition, Cardiac arrhythmias, Flushing, Tremor, Asthenia, Heart burn, Edema, Lassitude, dizziness, Tachycardia.
Precautions of Nicardipine
Nicardipine should be used with caution in patients with heart, liver or kidney disease or if have any allergy. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug. This should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. Use caution when you stand up or sit up from a lying position especially if you wake up during night. Avoid alcohol.