Cardene SR Warnings and Precautions

Reviewing Cardene SR warnings and precautions with your healthcare provider prior to starting treatment can help minimize risks and ensure a safe treatment process. Before taking Cardene SR, let your healthcare provider know if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver problems, heart disease, or any allergies. You should not take Cardene SR if you have aortic stenosis or are allergic to any ingredients used to make the medication.

 

Cardene SR: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Cardene SR® (nicardipine SR) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Some Cardene SR Warnings and Precautions

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of with Cardene SR include:
 
  • Cardene SR can cause increased chest pain. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you develop new chest pain or if your chest pain becomes worse.
     
  • As with all calcium channel blockers, Cardene SR should be used with caution in people who have congestive heart failure (CHF), as it can make CHF worse.
     
  • Cardene SR can cause low blood pressure (hypotension). Let your healthcare provider know if you have any signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
     
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have any upcoming surgeries. Depending on the type of anesthetic, you may need to stop taking Cardene SR a few days before surgery.
     
  • The liver and kidneys help to remove Cardene SR from the blood. If you have kidney or liver problems, you may need a lower Cardene SR dosage.
     
  • Cardene SR can interact with other medications (see Cardene SR Drug Interactions).
     
  • Cardene SR is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that Cardene SR may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Cardene SR during pregnancy (see Cardene and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • Cardene SR passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about using Cardene SR (see Cardene and Breastfeeding for more information).
     
(Cardene SR Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;