Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Nicardipine for high blood pressure (or 'pressure' in our language)? So today, let's talk briefly about this medicine, how it works in the body, and what you need to be careful about when taking it. Knowing these facts will be a great help in your treatment.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Nicardipine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called Calcium Channel Blockers . Think of your blood vessels as small tubes. When your blood pressure increases, these tube-like blood vessels tighten. This reduces the amount of space available for blood to flow, so your heart has to work harder to pump blood.
Nicardipine works by relaxing and widening the narrowed blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily through the body without getting clogged. Also, the heart doesn't have to work as hard. This is how this medicine controls your blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Your health condition | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If there is bleeding in the brain | This situation must be taken into account because this drug affects the blood vessels. |
| If you have had any type of heart disease or stroke before | This is very important because nicardipine directly affects heart function. |
| If you have kidney disease or liver disease | Because this organ affects the process of removing drugs from the body, it may be necessary to change the dosage of the drug. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to nicardipine or any other medicine or food. | This is essential to prevent serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding | The doctor needs this information to determine if this medication may affect the baby. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.
- Take this medicine with a glass of water .
- This is a sustained-release (SR) capsule, meaning that the medicine is released into the body over time. So do not break, crush, or chew the capsule . Swallow it as is.
- It is best to take this medicine with food . However, avoid taking it with oily or fatty foods , as this may interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Take the prescribed dose at the time prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor . Doing so may cause your blood pressure to suddenly increase.
- What if you overdose? If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else .
What to do if you miss your medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
Other medications that may interact with nicardipine
Some medicines can cause problems when taken with nicardipine. We call these drug interactions. For example:
- Some medications for other blood pressure and heart diseases
- Cimetidine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Fentanyl
- Tacrolimus
This list does not include all medications. Therefore, be sure to give your doctor a complete list of any other medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- See your doctor on scheduled days to monitor your progress. Measure your blood pressure at home as your doctor recommends.
- Do not take over-the-counter cough, cold, or pain medication without consulting your doctor . Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
- This medicine may make you feel dizzy . Therefore , avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't stand up or get up from a sitting position suddenly. Especially if you are older , change positions frequently. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can make dizziness worse.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, nicardipine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to your doctor or the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately | |
| |
| Symptoms to report to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
|
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from direct sunlight and moisture .
- Never use and discard expired medication .
Take-Home Message
- Nicardipine is an important drug used to control high blood pressure.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have.
- Never break, crush, or chew this capsule. Swallow it whole.
- Never stop taking medication without medical advice.
- If you experience serious side effects such as dizziness, chest pain, or body swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- In case of overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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