Cardene Warnings and Precautions

A few Cardene warnings and precautions to be aware of include potential drug interactions, the risk of low blood pressure, and the possibility that Cardene can make chest pain worse. You should not take Cardene if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have aortic stenosis. Prior to taking Cardene, talk with your healthcare provider about any precautions and warnings with Cardene that may apply to you.

 

Cardene: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Cardene® (nicardipine hydrochloride) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Some Cardene Warnings and Precautions

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of with Cardene include:
 
 
  • Cardene can cause increased chest pain. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you develop new chest pain or if your chest pain gets worse.
     
  • As with all calcium channel blockers, Cardene should be used with caution in people who have congestive heart failure (CHF), as it can make CHF worse.
     
  • Cardene can cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Let your healthcare provider know if you have any signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
     
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have any upcoming surgeries. Depending on the type of anesthetic, you may need to stop taking Cardene a few days before surgery.
     
  • The liver and kidneys help to clear Cardene from the blood. If you have kidney or liver problems, you may need a lower Cardene dosage.
     
  • Cardene can interact with other medications (see Cardene Drug Interactions).
     
  • Cardene is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that Cardene may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Cardene during pregnancy (see Cardene and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • Cardene passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about using Cardene (see Cardene and Breastfeeding for more information).
     
(Cardene Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;