What Is Nicardipine Used For?

Nicardipine for Blood Pressure

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, nicardipine has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, nicardipine 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, nicardipine is not a cure for high blood pressure.

 

How Nicardipine Works

Nicardipine is part of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nicardipine helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the 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. Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate.

 

Nicardipine Use in Children

Nicardipine has not been adequately studied in children and is not approved for use in this age group. Be sure to talk to your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using nicardipine in children.