Cardene

What is it?

A Class II calcium antagonist produced in the form of capsules: blue/white capsules contain 20mg nicardipine hydrochloride and pale blue/blue capsules containing 30mg.

Medical Uses

Prevention of chronic angina which is stable.

Dosage

Adults; 20mg 3 times each day in first instance increasing with 3-day intervals to a maintenance dose in the order of 30mg 3 times daily. Maximum daily dose, 120mg.

Special Care

Congestive heart failure, aftermath of stroke, liver or kidney disease, weak heart.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, aortic stenosis (a heart valve disease), within one month of heart attack, unstable angina, cardiogenic shock.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cimetidine, digoxin, cyclosporin, rifampicin, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, flushing and feeling of warmth; chest pain within half an hour of taking dose or on increasing dose, drug should be withdrawn.

Manufacturer

Yamanouchi.