Cardene (Nicardipine) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other drugs.. Cardene is also used to prevent certain types of angina or sudden onset of severe chest pain. Cardene increases the ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. The active ingredient in Cardene is Nicardipine. Nicardipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels for easy blood flow. Controlling high blood pressure with Cardene prevents complications like strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Cardene from the United Kingdom manufactured by Astellas Pharma in the strength of 20 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg capsules. The generic Nicardipine is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Cardene. The most common side effects of Cardene may include the following:
• Constipation;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Upset stomach
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Fainting;
• Increase in frequency or severity of angina;
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction, including rash, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Cardene. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Cardene if you are allergic to Nicardipine or any ingredient in Cardene. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have had heart failure;
• Have heart problems;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Cardene and carbamazepine, cyclosporine, fentanyl, digoxin, quinidine, etc. Avoid diuretics, phenytoin, theophylline, or ranitidine with Cardene. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Cardene will harm a fetus. High blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in both mother and baby. Nicardipine should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Nicardipine passes into breast milk in small amounts but should not affect a nursing infant. Take Cardene precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug at the same time every day to help you remember to take Cardene. Swallow the Cardene tablet whole with water. Do not split, chew, or crush the drug. Cardene controls chest pain if taken regularly. The drug does not stop chest pain once it starts. Nicardipine is not a cure for chest pain or high blood pressure. Continue taking this drug even if you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. Cardene may make you dizzy. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position. Keep this medication in its original container, tightly closed. Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.