Nicardipine SR Dosing

When treating high blood pressure with nicardipine SR, dosing typically starts at 30 mg twice daily. Dosing can be increased up to 60 mg twice daily if blood pressure is not controlled with the medication. The nicardipine SR dosage your healthcare provider prescribes will be based on several factors, such as other existing medical conditions and other medications you are taking.

 

Nicardipine SR Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of nicardipine SR (Cardene SR®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your nicardipine SR dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Nicardipine SR Dosing for Hypertension

The recommended starting nicardipine SR dose for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) is nicardipine SR 30 mg twice daily. If necessary, your healthcare provider may increase your dose (up to nicardipine SR 60 mg twice daily).
 
When taking nicardipine SR for blood pressure, it is important to know that the medication has a much greater effect on blood pressure when it is at its peak (two to four hours after a dose) than at its lowest point (just before your next dose). It is recommended that you measure your blood pressure two to four hours after your first dose, as well as just before your next dose (about 12 hours later) when first starting nicardipine SR.
 

General Nicardipine SR Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking nicardipine SR include:
 
 
  • Nicardipine SR comes in the form of a capsule. Nicardipine SR is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
     
  • It does not matter if you take nicardipine SR with or without food.
     
  • Nicardipine SR should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For nicardipine SR to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Nicardipine SR will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your nicardipine SR dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;