Q: Nicardipine is a Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB), but how is it distinct from other CCBs?
Answer: Nicardipine (Cardene) is a Calcium Channel Blocker with the distinction that it has highly vascular, selective calcium channel blockade. It has a strong cerebral and coronary vasodilatory effect. It has no to minimal impact on left ventricular function and conduction. It is now the preferred drug of choice as an IV infusion in a hypertensive crisis.
For rapid blood pressure control, therapy is initiated with a loading dose of 5 mg/hr and titrated by 2.5 mg/hr every 5 minutes to a maximum of 15 mg/hr until the desired results are achieved. For gradual blood pressure reduction, the infusion rate is increased every 15 minutes until the desired blood pressure is achieved.
#pharmacology
#hemodynamics
References:
1. Curran MP, Robinson DM, Keating GM. Intravenous nicardipine: its use in the short-term treatment of hypertension and various other indications. Drugs. 2006;66(13):1755-82. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200666130-00010. PMID: 16978041.
2. Sorkin EM, Clissold SP. Nicardipine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy, in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders. Drugs. 1987 Apr;33(4):296-345. doi: 10.2165/00003495-198733040-00002. PMID: 3297616.
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