Brand Names: Cardene, Cardene SR

Generic Name: nicardipine (Pronunciation: nye KAR di peen)

• What is nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• What are the possible side effects of nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• How should I take nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cardene SR)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cardene SR)?
• What should I avoid while taking nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• What other drugs will affect nicardipine (Cardene SR)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nicardipine (Cardene SR)?

Nicardipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nicardipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Nicardipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain).

Nicardipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Cardene 20 mg

blue/white, imprinted with CARDENE 20 mg, ROCHE

Cardene 30 mg

blue, imprinted with CARDENE 30MG, ROCHE

Cardene SR 30 mg

pink, imprinted with CARDENESR 30MG, ROCHE

Cardene SR 45 mg

blue, imprinted with CARDENESR 45MG, ROCHE

Cardene SR 60 mg

blue/white, imprinted with CARDENESR 60MG, ROCHE

Nicardipine 20 mg-MYL

turquoise/white, imprinted with MYLAN 1020

Nicardipine 20 mg-TEV

turquoise/white, imprinted with 93 793

Nicardipine 30 mg-MYL

green/yellow, imprinted with MYLAN 1430

Nicardipine 30 mg-TEV

blue/white, imprinted with 93 794

What are the possible side effects of nicardipine (Cardene SR)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nicardipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
• fainting or severe dizziness;
• abnormal behavior or psychosis;
• chest pain or worsening angina;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take nicardipine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• unusual headache, fatigue, or tiredness;
• dizziness;
• flushing;
• rash;
• insomnia;
• vivid or abnormal dreams;
• increased urination;
• dry mouth;
• nausea or constipation; or
• nervousness or tremor.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Cardene SR (nicardipine hydrochloride sustained release capsules) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nicardipine (Cardene SR)?

Do not stop taking nicardipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release (SR) capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.