Cardene SR Uses

Cardene SR is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Because the medication has not been adequately studied in children, it has only been approved for use in adults. Occasionally, healthcare providers may also prescribe Cardene SR "off-label" for treating other medical conditions. Possible off-label Cardene SR uses include treating chest pain (angina), postoperative hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy.

Cardene SR Drug Information

Cardene SR Uses: An Overview

Cardene SR^® (nicardipine SR) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.

In clinical studies, Cardene SR has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, Cardene SR can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, which can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, Cardene SR is not a cure for high blood pressure.

How Cardene SR Works

Cardene SR is part of a class of drugs called

calcium channel blockers. Cardene SR helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which improves blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Cardene SR is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate.

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