Nicardipine Sustained-Release Oral Capsules

What is this medication?

NICARDIPINE (nye KAR de peen) is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes your blood vessels and decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It used to treat high blood pressure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cardene SR

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding in the brain
• heart disease
• history of stroke
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nicardipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. Take this medicine with food. Avoid taking this medicine with fatty foods. They can interfere with the effect of this medicine. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• fentanyl
• tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this drug without asking your health care professional for advice. Some drugs may increase your blood pressure.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast, irregular heartbeat; palpitations; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems
• signs and symptoms of heart failure like breathing problems, fast, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, hands; unusually weak or tired
• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• facial flushing
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.