Nicardipine Drug Summ

Score: _________

Grade: _____________

DRUG SUMMARY Name of Drug Generic (Brand)

Nicardipine

Date Ordered

Classificatio n

Dose Frequency Route

Mechanism of Action Inhibits calcium ion from entering the "slow channels" or select voltagesensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium during depolarization, producing a relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle and coronary vasodilation; increases myocardial oxygen delivery in patients with vasospastic angina.

Specific Indication

> Chronic stable angina > management of essential hypertensio n CONTRA:

> in cancer pts. with bone metastasis and in pts. with ventricular fibrillation, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatem ia, or renal calculi.

Side Effects

Nursing Implications

CNS: Headache, dizziness, somnolence, paresthesia. CV: Flushing, palpitation, tachycardia, peripheral edema, increased angina, hypotension orthostasis. Skin: Rash GI: Nausea, dry mouth GU: Polyuria MS: myalgia, weakness. Other: Diaphoresis

Before: >Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended. >Inform prescriber of all prescriptions, OTC medications, or herbal products you are taking, and any allergies you have. During: > Report immediately any swelling, redness, burning, or pain at infusion site. > Do not crush or chew sustained release forms; swallow whole. > Take with nonfatty food. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. After: > May cause orthostatic hypotension (change position slowly from sitting or lying to standing, or when climbing stairs) > May cause sore mouth (inspect gums for swelling or redness - use soft toothbrush, waxed dental floss, and frequent mouth rinses); > May cause dizziness or fatigue (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known); > May cause or nausea and dry mouth (small, frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help).