Cardene I.V. (Nicardipine Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 26, 2012

Cardene IV

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Angina facts

Angina is one of many causes of chest pain.
Angina is chest pain that is a result of inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
Angina can be caused by coronary artery disease or spasm of the coronary arteries.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), exercise stress test, stress echocardiography, stress thallium, and cardiac catheterization are important in the diagnosis of angina.
Treatment of angina includes rest, medications, angioplasty, and/or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Introduction to angina

Angina is one of the serious causes of chest pain. “Angina” is an abbreviation of angina pectoris, a Latin term for “squeezing of the chest.” Chest pain is a common symptom caused by many different conditions. Some causes require prompt medical attention, such as angina, heart attack, blood clots i...

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Cardene I.V.

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OVERDOSE

Several overdosages with orally administered nicardipine have been reported. One adult patient allegedly ingested 600 mg of immediate-release oral nicardipine, and another patient, 2160 mg of the sustained-release formulation of nicardipine. Symptoms included marked hypotension, bradycardia, palpitations, flushing, drowsiness, confusion and slurred speech. All symptoms resolved without sequelae. An overdosage occurred in a one year old child who ingested half of the powder in a 30 mg nicardipine standard capsule. The child remained asymptomatic.

Based on results obtained in laboratory animals, lethal overdose may cause systemic hypotension, bradycardia (following initial tachycardia) and progressive atrioventricular conduction block. Reversible hepatic function abnormalities and sporadic focal hepatic necrosis were noted in some animal species receiving very large doses of nicardipine.

For treatment of overdosage, implement standard measures including monitoring of cardiac and respiratory functions. Position the patient so as to avoid cerebral anoxia. Use vasopressors for patients exhibiting profound hypotension.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Advanced Aortic Stenosis

Cardene I.V. (nicardipine hydrochloride) Premixed Injection is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis because part of the effect of Cardene I.V. (nicardipine hydrochloride) Premixed Injection is secondary to reduced afterload. Reduction of diastolic pressure in these patients may worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/4/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.