DRUG STUDY

Name of Patient:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ward No.: _______ Bed No.: _______

Medical
Diagnosis:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Drug Name: NICARDIPINE
Indication for Patient:
USUAL DOSAGE/
AVAILABILITY
Capsules: 20mg, 30mg
Capsules (sustainedrelease): 30mg, 45mg,
60mg
Injection: 2.5-mg/mL vial;
20mg/200-mL, 40mg/200mL premixed bag

PHARMACOLOGIC
ACTION OF DRUG
Inhibits calcium ion
influx across cardiac
and smooth muscle
cells but is more
selective to vascular
smooth muscle than
cardiac muscle. Drug
also dilates coronary
arteries and
arterioiles.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

INTERACTION

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Contraindicated in patients
hypersensitive to drug and in
those with advanced aortic
stenosis.
Use cautiously in patients with
hypotension, heart failure, or
impaired hepatic and renal
function.
Overdose S&Sx: Hypotension,
bradycardia, palpitations,
flushing, drowsiness,
confusion, slurred speech.

Drug-drug. Antihypertensives: May increase

antihypertensive effect. Monitor blood pressure closely.
Cimetidine: May decrease metabolism of calcium
channel blockers. Monitor patient for increased
pharmacologic effect.
Cyclosporine: May increase plasma level of
cyclosporine. Monitor patient of toxicity.
Drug-food. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: May increase
bioavailability of nicardipine. Discourage use together.
High-fat foods: May decrease absorption of nicardipine.
Discourage use together.

CNS: headaches, dizziness,

light-headedness, asthenia
CV: peripheral edema,
palpitations, flushing, angina,
tachycardia
GI: nausea, vomiting,
abdominal discomfort, dry
mouth
Skin: rash

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Measure blood pressure frequently during initial therapy. Maximal response occurs about 1 hour after giving the immediate-release form and 2 to 4 hours after giving the
sustained-release form. Check for orthostatic hypotension. Because large swings in blood pressure may occur based on drug level, assess antihypertensive effect 8 hours
after dosing.
Extended-release form is preferred because of improved compliance, fewer fluctuations in blood pressure, and less risk of death than with shorter-acting drugs.

DANICA PAULINE G. RAMOS|2012-63528