Trade names Cardene MedlinePlus a695032 ATC code C08CA04 (WHO) CAS ID 55985-32-5 | AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Routes of
administration Oral, intravenous Molar mass 479.525 g/mol | |
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Legal status In general: ℞ (Prescription only) | ||
Nicardipine hydrochloride (Cardene) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers.
Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocking agent used for the treatment of vascular disorders such as chronic stable angina, hypertension, and Raynaud's phenomenon. It is available in oral and intravenous formulations. Its mechanism of action and clinical effects closely resemble those of nifedipine and the other dihydropyridines (amlodipine, felodipine), except that nicardipine is more selective for cerebral and coronary blood vessels. Nicardipine also has a longer half-life than nifedipine. Nicardipine was approved by the FDA in December 1988. The patent for both Cardene and Cardene SR expired in October 1995.
It has been used in percutaneous coronary intervention.