Generic Cardene

Generic Cardene is sold under the name Nicardipine capsules and is manufactured by a number of companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and Barr Laboratories. Generic Cardene is available in two strengths, 20 mg and 30 mg capsules. The FDA has assigned generic Cardene an "AB" rating, meaning the generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name medication.

 

An Overview of Generic Cardene

Cardene® (nicardipine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of chest pain (known medically as angina) and high blood pressure (hypertension). It is part of a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.
 
Cardene was first manufactured by Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. However, it has come off patent and is available as a generic.
 

Strengths of Generic Cardene

Generic Cardene capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Nicardipine 20 mg capsules
  • Nicardipine 30 mg capsules.
     

Who Makes Generic Cardene?

Generic Cardene is made by the following manufacturers:
 
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals
  • Barr Laboratories
  • Genpharm.
     

Is Generic Nicardipine as Good as Cardene?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications.
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications, and assigns each generic a rating. An "AB" rating means the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Cardene versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Cardene.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;