Drug reference
nicardipine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (CCBs)
Mechanism of action
Calcium-channel blocker (dihydropyridine); inhibits transmembrane influx of extracellular calcium ions across membranes of myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells without changing serum calcium concentrations; this inhibits cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating main coronary and systemic arteries
Common side effects
- Headache
- Hypotension
- Pedal edema
- Peripheral edema
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nicardipine or other calcium-channel blockers Advanced aortic stenosis
Known interactions (5)
- dantrolene + nicardipine Major
- flibanserin + nicardipine Major
- ivabradine + nicardipine Major
- avanafil + nicardipine Moderate
- everolimus + nicardipine Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is nicardipine?
nicardipine belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does nicardipine work?
Calcium-channel blocker (dihydropyridine); inhibits transmembrane influx of extracellular calcium ions across membranes of myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells without changing serum calcium concentrations; this inhibits cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating main coronary and systemic arteries
What are the common side effects of nicardipine?
Headache, Hypotension, Pedal edema, Peripheral edema
Which drugs interact with nicardipine?
dantrolene, flibanserin, ivabradine, avanafil, everolimus
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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