Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, nicardipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Nicardipine comes as a regular capsule and as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The regular capsule is usually taken three times a day. The extended-release capsule is usually taken two times a day and is swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the capsule. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nicardipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Nicardipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take nicardipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking nicardipine without talking to your doctor.
Nicardipine is also used sometimes to treat congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
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