Drug interactions
Diltiazem + Nicardipine
Severity: Moderate
Diltiazem and Nicardipine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase nicardipine exposure, and both drugs lower blood pressure through calcium channel blockade. This may cause excessive hypotension, reflex tachycardia, edema or bradycardia and conduction effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diltiazem and Nicardipine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular; Nicardipine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of nicardipine, with additive pharmacodynamic calcium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid routine combination of two calcium channel blockers. If used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate and reduce the nicardipine dose as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Nicardipine
Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diltiazem with Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diltiazem and Nicardipine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase nicardipine exposure, and both drugs lower blood pressure through calcium channel blockade. This may cause excessive hypotension, reflex tachycardia, edema or bradycardia and conduction effects.
How serious is the interaction between Diltiazem and Nicardipine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid routine combination of two calcium channel blockers. If used, monitor blood pressure and heart rate and reduce the nicardipine dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Nicardipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nicardipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Nicardipine page.
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