Do you have high blood pressure? Or has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Nicardipine because of occasional chest pain (angina)? You probably have a lot of questions about this medication. "What will happen with this?", "Is this safe?", "What are the side effects?" You may be wondering. Don't worry, it's very common. We'll talk about all of that simply and clearly in this article.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Nicardipine is a medication used to control high blood pressure and prevent chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs called 'Calcium Channel Blocker'.
Imagine a water pipe getting clogged. It's hard for the water to flow, isn't it? Similarly, when our blood vessels constrict, blood flow is impeded. This puts a lot of strain on the heart and forces it to pump blood with great pressure. This is what we call high blood pressure.
Nicardipine works by widening and relaxing blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily and without any obstruction. This reduces the workload on the heart and controls blood pressure. It also reduces angina, or chest pain, by increasing the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the heart muscle.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing Nicardipine, your doctor will ask you about some health information. However, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have had bleeding in the brain or a stroke before.
- If you suffer from other heart disease conditions.
- If you have liver disease or kidney disease .
- If you have an allergic reaction to Nicardipine, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Providing this information accurately will greatly help your doctor provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- This is a pill that you take by mouth. Get in the habit of taking it at the same time every day . This will help maintain the same level of activity in your body.
- You can take this before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is better to take it with food .
- The most important thing is, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping it suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly.
What if I overdose?
If you suddenly think you have taken more of this medicine than prescribed, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications you take may interact with Nicardipine. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Medications or substances that may cause problems | Description |
|---|---|
| Other blood pressure or heart disease medications | Other blood pressure medications, medications for irregular heartbeat. |
| Cimetidine | A medicine often given for gastritis. |
| Cyclosporine | A medicine given to control the immune system (often after organ transplants). |
| Digoxin | A medicine used for some heart conditions. |
| Tacrolimus | This is another medicine given to control the immune system. |
| Other things | Tell your doctor about any herbal medicines, vitamins, supplements, smoking, and alcohol use you are taking. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Go to the clinics at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor and get your condition checked. It is better if you can measure your blood pressure at home. Ask your doctor what the normal level of your blood pressure should be.
- Taking medication for other illnesses: While taking this medication, do not take over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or other aches and pains without first consulting your doctor. Some painkillers and cold medicines can increase your blood pressure.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medication may make some people feel a little drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: Avoid standing or sitting suddenly, especially if you are older. Doing so can reduce the risk of fainting and falling.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Nicardipine can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Severe pain or pressure in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, and chills. |
| Low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Increased chest pain (Angina) | Pain or pressure in the chest, neck, or arms that is more severe than usual. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Headache, constipation, nausea, stomach pain. | These may occur initially and then disappear. |
| Facial flushing | Feeling of warmth and redness in the face. |
| Palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, pounding, or irregularly. |
| Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet | Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
Take-Home Message
- Nicardipine is an important medication for high blood pressure and angina.
- Always take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Do not stop taking your medicine without medical advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect such as severe chest pain, severe dizziness, or allergic symptoms.
- Avoid driving if you feel drowsy while taking the medicine. Be careful when changing positions.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, please do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.
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