Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg Capsule, 100-count
Other active recalls for Nicardipine Hydrochloride (different manufacturers) — 6 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). Nicardipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure,...
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker — a type of blood pressure medication. The oral capsules treat two things: high blood pressure and chronic stable angina, which is chest pa...
- It can, yes — dizziness, headaches, and flushing are among the more common side effects, since the medication works by widening blood vessels. Most people find these effects mild a...
- Will nicardipine make me dizzy or give me headaches?
- That depends on which medications. A few important ones to know about: if you take cyclosporine or tacrolimus (common transplant drugs), nicardipine can raise those drug levels sig...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Nicardipine may be associated with lower levels of 2 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
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UNII H3R47K3TBD
FD&C Blue No. 1 is a synthetic blue dye approved for use in foods and medicines. It serves as a colorant to give the medication its distinctive appearance and help with product identification.
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UNII L06K8R7DQK
A synthetic blue dye approved by the FDA for use in medications and foods. It serves as a colorant to make pills and liquids visually distinct and easier to identify.
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A synthetic red dye used to color medications and make them easier to identify. It serves as a colorant in tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations.
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UNII XM0M87F357
A dark iron oxide compound that gives medicines their black or dark color. It's used as a colorant in tablets and capsules to help identify the product and make it visually distinctive.
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UNII 2G86QN327L
Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly used in medicines as a gelling agent and capsule material. It helps create soft or hard capsule shells that hold and release medication, and can also thicken liquid formulations.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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UNII 6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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UNII O8232NY3SJ
A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
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UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
9 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per each | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $2.32 | $231.54 / 100 capsules |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 35573-0458-85 | Burel | 90 capsules | $3.944 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 62559-0206-90 | ANI | 90 capsules | $3.944 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Nicardipine hydrochloride 30 mg 69238-2692-01 | Amneal | 90 capsules | $3.944 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 69292-0621-90 | Amici | 90 capsules | $3.944 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 69452-0437-19 | Bionpharma | 90 capsules | $3.944 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 24658-0751-90 | PuraCap | 90 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mgthis 42806-0502-01 | Epic | 100 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 68462-0121-05 | Glenmark | 500 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 70710-2011-09 | Zydus | 90 capsules | — | — | Discontinued | — |
| Nicardipine Hydrochloride 30 mg 87564-0028-90 | Amerisyn | 90 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
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💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42806-0502-01 You're viewing this | 100 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (42806-502-01) | — | — | 2010-05-05 | Active |
| 42806-0502-05 | 500 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (42806-502-05) | — | — | 2010-05-05 | Active |
| 42806-0502-09 | 90 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (42806-502-09) | $3.94 / ea | $354.96 | 2010-05-05 | Active |
| 42806-0502-10 | 1000 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (42806-502-10) | — | — | 2010-05-05 | Active |
You're viewing one of 4 pack sizes for this product.
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Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
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| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE I. Stable Angina Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the management of patients with chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina). Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be used alone or in combination with beta-blockers.
II. Hypertension Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
In administering nicardipine hydrochloride it is important to be aware of the relatively large peak to trough differences in blood pressure effect (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Angina The dose should be individually titrated for each patient beginning with 20 mg three times daily. Doses in the range of 20 to 40 mg three times a day have been shown to be effective. At least 3 days should be allowed before increasing the nicardipine hydrochloride capsules dose to ensure achievement of steady-state plasma drug concentrations.
Concomitant Use With Other Antianginal Agents Sublingual NTG may be taken as required to abort acute anginal attacks during nicardipine hydrochloride capsules therapy. Prophylactic Nitrate Therapy: nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be safely coadministered with short- and long-acting nitrates. Beta-blockers : Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be safely coadministered with beta-blockers (see Drug Interactions ).
Hypertension The dose of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules should be individually adjusted according to the blood pressure response beginning with 20 mg three times daily. The effective doses in clinical trials have ranged from 20 mg to 40 mg three times daily. The maximum blood pressure lowering effect occurs approximately 1 to 2 hours after dosing.
To assess the adequacy of blood pressure response, the blood pressure should be measured at trough (8 hours after dosing). Because of the prominent peak effects of nicardipine, blood pressure should be measured 1 to 2 hours after dosing, particularly during initiation of therapy (see PRECAUTIONS : Blood Pressure , INDICATIONS AND USAGE , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Effects in Hypertension ). At least 3 days should be allowed before increasing the nicardipine hydrochloride capsules dose to ensure achievement of steady-state plasma drug concentrations.
Concomitant Use With Other Antihypertensive Agents 1. Diuretics: nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be safety coadministered with thiazide diuretics. 2.
Beta-blockers: nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be safely coadministered with beta-blocker (see PRECAUTIONS , Drug Interactions ). Special Patient Population Renal Insufficiency Although there is no evidence that nicardipine hydrochloride capsules impair renal function, careful dose titration beginning with 20 mg tid is advised (see PRECAUTIONS ). Hepatic Insufficiency Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules should be administered cautiously in patients with severely impaired hepatic function.
A suggested starting dose of 20 mg twice a day is advised with individual titration based on clinical findings maintaining the twice a day schedule (see PRECAUTIONS ). Congestive Heart Failure Caution is advised when titrating nicardipine hydrochloride capsules dosage in patients with congestive heart failure (see WARNINGS ).
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug. Because part of the effect of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are secondary to reduced afterload, the drug is also contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. Reduction of diastolic pressure in these patients may worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Increased Angina About 7% of patients in short-term, placebo-controlled angina trials have developed increased frequency, duration or severity of angina on starting nicardipine hydrochloride capsules or at the time of dosage increases, compared with 4% of patients on placebo. Comparisons with beta-blockers also show a greater frequency of increased angina, 4% vs 1%. The mechanism of this effect has not been established (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).
Use in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure Although preliminary hemodynamic studies in patients with congestive heart failure have shown that nicardipine hydrochloride capsules reduced afterload without impairing myocardial contractility, it has a negative inotropic effect in vitro and in some patients. Caution should be exercised when using the drug in congestive heart failure patients, particularly in combination with a beta-blocker. Beta-Blocker Withdrawal Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are not a beta-blocker and therefore gives no protection against the dangers of abrupt beta-blocker withdrawal; any such withdrawal should be by gradual reduction of the dose of beta-blocker, preferably over 8 to 10 days.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS In multiple-dose U.S. and foreign controlled short-term (up to 3 months) studies 1910 patients received nicardipine hydrochloride capsules alone or in combination with other drugs. In these studies adverse events were reported spontaneously; adverse experiences were generally not serious but occasionally required dosage adjustment and about 10% of patients left the studies prematurely because of them. Peak responses were not observed to be associated with adverse effects during clinical trials, but physicians should be aware that adverse effects associated with decreases in blood pressure (tachycardia, hypotension, etc.) could occur around the time of the peak effect.
Most adverse effects were expected consequences of the vasodilator effects of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules. Angina The incidence rates of adverse effects in anginal patients were derived from multicenter, controlled clinical trials. Following are the rates of adverse effects for nicardipine hydrochloride capsules (n=520) and placebo (n=310), respectively, that occurred in 0.4% of patients or more.
These represent events considered probably drug-related by the investigator (except for certain cardiovascular events that were recorded in a different category). Where the frequency of adverse effects for nicardipine hydrochloride capsules and placebo is similar, causal relationship is uncertain. The only dose-related effects were pedal edema and increased angina.
Table 2 Percent of Patients With Adverse Effects in Controlled Studies (Incidence of Discontinuations Shown in Parentheses) Adverse Experience NICARDIPINE HYDROCHLORIDE CAPSULES (n= 520) PLACEBO (n= 310) Pedal Edema 7.1 (0) 0.3 (0) Dizziness 6.9 (1.2) 0.6 (0) Headache 6.4 (0.6) 2.6 (0) Asthenia 5.8 (0.4) 2.6 (0) Flushing 5.6 (0.4) 1.0 (0) Increased Angina 5.6 (3.5) 4.2 (1.9) Palpitations 3.3 (0.4) 0.0 (0) Nausea 1.9 (0) 0.3 (0) Dyspepsia 1.5 (0.6) 0.6 (0.3) Dry Mouth 1.4 (0) 0.3 (0) Somnolence 1.4 (0) 1.0 (0) Rash 1.2 (0.2) 0.3 (0) Tachycardia 1.2 (0.2) 0.6 (0) Myalgia 1.0 (0) 0.0 (0) Other Edema 1.0 (0) 0.0 (0) Paresthesia 1.0 (0.2) 0.3 (0) Sustained Tachycardia 0.8 (0.6) 0.0 (0) Syncope 0.8 (0.2) 0.0 (0) Constipation 0.6 (0.2) 0.6 (0) Dyspnea 0.6 (0) 0.0 (0) Abnormal ECG 0.6 (0.6) 0.0 (0) Malaise 0.6 (0) 0.0 (0) Nervousness 0.6 (0) 0.3 (0) Tremor 0.6 (0) 0.0 (0) In addition, adverse events were observed that are not readily distinguishable from the natural history of the atherosclerotic vascular disease in these patients.
Adverse events in this category each occurred in <0.4% of patients receiving nicardipine hydrochloride capsules and included myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, exertional hypotension, pericarditis, heart block, cerebral ischemia, and ventricular tachycardia. It is possible that some of these events were drug-related. Hypertension The incidence rates of adverse effects in hypertensive patients were derived from multicenter, controlled clinical trials.
Following are the rates of adverse effects for nicardipine hydrochloride capsules (n= 1390) and placebo (n= 211), respectively, that occurred in 0.4% of patients or more. These represent events considered probably drug-related by the investigator. Where the frequency of adverse effects for nicardipine hydrochloride capsules and placebo is similar, causal relationship is uncertain.
The only dose-related effect was pedal edema. Table 3 Percent of Patients with Adverse Effects in Controlled Studies (Incidence of discontinuations shown in parentheses) Adverse Experience NICARDIPINE HYDROCHLORIDE CAPSULES (n = 1390) PLACEBO (n = 211) Flushing 9.7 (2.1) 2.8 (0) Headache 8.2 (2.6) 4.7 (0) Pedal Edema 8.0 (1.8) 0.9 (0) Asthenia 4.2 (1.7) 0.5 (0) Palpitations 4.1 (1.0) 0.0 (0) Dizziness 4.0 (1.8) 0.0 (0) Tachycardia 3.4 (1.2) 0.5 (0) Nausea 2.2 (0.9) 0.9 (0) Somnolence 1.1 (0.1) 0.0 (0) Dyspepsia 0.8 (0.3) 0.5 (0) Insomnia 0.6 (0.1) 0.0 (0) Malaise 0.6 (0.1) 0.0 (0) Other Edema 0.6 (0.3) 1.4 (0) Abnormal Dreams 0.4 (0)…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
Drug Interactions Beta Blockers In controlled clinical studies, adrenergic beta-receptor blockers have been frequently administered concomitantly with nicardipine hydrochloride capsules. The combination is well tolerated. Cimetidine Cimetidine increases nicardipine hydrochloride capsules plasma levels.
Patients receiving the two drugs concomitantly should be carefully monitored. Digoxin Some calcium blockers may increase the concentration of digitalis preparations in the blood. Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules usually do not alter the plasma levels of digoxin; however, serum digoxin levels should be evaluated after concomitant therapy with nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are initiated.
Maalox ® Coadministration of Maalox TC had no effect on nicardipine hydrochloride capsules absorption. Fentanyl Anesthesia Severe hypotension has been reported during fentanyl anesthesia with concomitant use of a beta-blocker and a calcium channel blocker. Even though such interactions were not seen during clinical studies with nicardipine hydrochloride capsules, an increased volume of circulating fluids might be required if such an interaction were to occur.
Cyclosporine Concomitant administration of oral or intravenous nicardipine and cyclosporine results in elevated plasma cyclosporine levels though nicardipine inhibition of hepatic microsomal enzymes, including CYP3A4. Plasma concentrations of cyclosporine should therefore be closely monitored, and its dosage reduced accordingly, in patients treated with nicardipine. Tacrolimus: Concomitant administration of oral or intravenous nicardipine and tacrolimus may result in elevated plasma tacrolimus levels through nicardipine inhibition of hepatic microsomal enzymes, including CYP3A4.
Closely monitor plasma concentrations of tacrolimus during nicardipine administration, and adjust the dose of tacrolimus accordingly. When therapeutic concentrations of furosemide, propranolol, dipyridamole, warfarin, quinidine or naproxen were added to human plasma (in vitro), the plasma protein binding of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules were not altered.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Nicardipine was embryocidal when administered orally to pregnant Japanese White rabbits, during organogenesis, at 150 mg/kg/day (a dose associated with marked body weight gain suppression in the treated doe) but not at 50 mg/kg/day (25 times the maximum recommended antianginal or antihypertensive dose in man). No adverse effects on the fetus were observed when New Zealand albino rabbits were treated, during organogenesis, with up to 100 mg nicardipine/kg/day (a dose associated with significant mortality in the treated doe).
In pregnant rats administered nicardipine orally at up to 100 mg/kg/day (50 times the maximum recommended human dose) there was no evidence of embryolethality or teratogenicity. However, dystocia, reduced birth weights, reduced neonatal survival, and reduced neonatal weight gain were noted. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nursing Mothers Studies in rats have shown significant concentrations of nicardipine in maternal milk following oral administration. For this reason it is recommended that women who wish to breastfeed should not take this drug.
Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy in patients under the age of 18 have not been established. Geriatric Use Pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ between elderly hypertensive patients (≥65 years) and healthy controls after 1 week of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules treatment at 20 mg tid. Plasma nicardipine hydrochloride capsules concentrations in elderly hypertensive subjects were similar to plasma concentrations in healthy young adult subjects when nicardipine hydrochloride capsules were administered at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg tid, suggesting that the pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are similar in young and elderly hypertensive patients.
Clinical studies of nicardipine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy in patients under the age of 18 have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
Geriatric Use Pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ between elderly hypertensive patients (≥65 years) and healthy controls after 1 week of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules treatment at 20 mg tid. Plasma nicardipine hydrochloride capsules concentrations in elderly hypertensive subjects were similar to plasma concentrations in healthy young adult subjects when nicardipine hydrochloride capsules were administered at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg tid, suggesting that the pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are similar in young and elderly hypertensive patients.
Clinical studies of nicardipine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Overdosage with a 600-mg single dose (15 to 30 times normal clinical dose) has been reported. Marked hypotension (blood pressure unobtainable) and bradycardia (heart rate 20 bpm in normal sinus rhythm) occurred, along with drowsiness, confusion and slurred speech. Supportive treatment with a vasopressor resulted in gradual improvement with normal vital signs approximately 9 hours posttreatment.
Based on results obtained in laboratory animals, overdosage may cause systemic hypotension, bradycardia (following initial tachycardia) and progressive atrioventricular conduction block. Reversible hepatic function abnormalities and sporadic focal hepatic necrosis were noted in some animal species receiving very large doses of nicardipine. For treatment of overdose standard measures (for example, evacuation of gastric contents, elevation of extremities, attention to circulating fluid volume, and urine output) including monitoring of cardiac and respiratory functions should be implemented.
The patient should be positioned so as to avoid cerebral anoxia. Frequent blood pressure determinations are essential. Vasopressors are clinically indicated for patients exhibiting profound hypotension.
Intravenous calcium gluconate may help reverse the effects of calcium entry blockade.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are a calcium entry blocker (slow channel blocker or calcium ion antagonist) that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac muscle and smooth muscle without changing serum calcium concentrations. The contractile processes of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle are dependent upon the movement of extracellular calcium ions into these cells through specific ion channels. The effects of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are more selective to vascular smooth muscle than cardiac muscle.
In animal models, Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules produce relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle at drug levels that cause little or no negative inotropic effect. Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are completely absorbed following oral doses administered as capsules. Plasma levels are detectable as early as 20 minutes following an oral dose and maximal plasma levels are observed within 30 minutes to 2 hours (mean T max = 1 hour).
While nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are completely absorbed, it is subject to saturable first pass metabolism and the systemic bioavailability is about 35% following a 30-mg oral dose at steady-state. When nicardipine hydrochloride capsules were administered 1 or 3 hours after a high-fat meal, the mean C max and mean AUC were lower (20% to 30%) than when nicardipine hydrochloride capsules were given to fasting subjects. These decreases in plasma levels observed following a meal may be significant, but the clinical trials establishing the efficacy and safety of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules were done in patients without regard to the timing of meals.
Thus, the results of these trials reflect the effects of meal-induced variability. The pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are nonlinear due to saturable hepatic first pass metabolism. Following oral administration, increasing doses result in a disproportionate increase in plasma levels.
Steady-state C max values following 20-, 30-, and 40-mg doses every 8 hours averaged 36, 88, and 133 ng/mL, respectively. Hence, increasing the dose from 20 to 30 mg every 8 hours more than doubled C max and increasing the dose from 20 to 40 mg every 8 hours increased C max more than threefold. A similar disproportionate increase in AUC with dose was observed.
Considerable inter-subject variability in plasma levels was also observed. Post-absorption kinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are also non-linear, although there is a reproducible terminal plasma half-life that averaged 8.6 hours following 30- and 40-mg doses at steady-state (tid). The terminal half-life represents the elimination of less than 5% of the absorbed drug (measured by plasma concentrations).
Elimination over the first 8 hours after dosing is much faster with a half-life of 2 to 4 hours. Steady-state plasma levels are achieved after 2 to 3 days of tid dosing (every 8 hours) and are twofold higher than after a single dose. Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are highly protein bound (>95%) in human plasma over a wide concentration range.
Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are metabolized extensively by the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP2C8, 2D6, and 3A4; less than 1% of intact drug is detected in the urine. Following a radioactive oral dose in solution, 60% of the radioactivity was recovered in the urine and 35% in feces. Most of the dose (over 90%) was recovered within 48 hours of dosing.
Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules do not induce its own metabolism, however, nicardipine causes inhibition of certain cytochrome P450 enzymes (including CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C8, and CYP2C19). Inhibition of these enzymes may result in increased plasma levels of certain drugs, including cyclosporine and tacrolimus ( see Drug Interactions ). The altered pharmacokinetics may necessitate dosage adjustment of the affected drug or discontinuation of treatment.
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🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
Mechanism of Action Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are a calcium entry blocker (slow channel blocker or calcium ion antagonist) that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac muscle and smooth muscle without changing serum calcium concentrations. The contractile processes of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle are dependent upon the movement of extracellular calcium ions into these cells through specific ion channels. The effects of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are more selective to vascular smooth muscle than cardiac muscle.
In animal models, Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules produce relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle at drug levels that cause little or no negative inotropic effect.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Nicardipine hydrochloride 20 mg capsules are available in light blue opaque/white opaque hard gelatin capsules imprinted “E501” in black ink on cap and body, filled with yellow powder. These are supplied in bottles of 90, 100, 500 and 1000. Nicardipine hydrochloride 30 mg capsules are available in light blue opaque hard gelatin capsules imprinted “E502” with black ink on cap and body, filled with yellow powder.
These are supplied in bottles of 90, 100, 500 and 1000. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense contents in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure.
The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners. Manufactured by Epic Pharma, LLC Laurelton, NY 11413 Manufactured in USA Rev. 07-2023-00 MF501REV07/23 OE1084
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules for oral administration each contain 20 mg or 30 mg of nicardipine hydrochloride. Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium channel blocker). Nicardipine hydrochloride is a dihydropyridine structure with the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) chemical name 2-(benzyl-methyl amino)ethyl methyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(m-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate monohydrochloride, and it has the following structure: Nicardipine hydrochloride is a greenish-yellow, odorless, crystalline powder that melts at about 169°C.
It is freely soluble in chloroform, methanol and glacial acetic acid, sparingly soluble in anhydrous ethanol, slightly soluble in n-butanol, water,
0.01M potassium dihydrogen phosphate, acetone and dioxane, very slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, and practically insoluble in benzene, ether and hexane. It has a molecular weight of 515.99. Each capsule, for oral administration, contains 20 mg or 30 mg of nicardipine hydrochloride.
In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, titanium dioxide, gelatin and FD&C Blue #1. The colorants used in the capsules are black iron oxide, FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Red #40, D&C Yellow #10 and FD&C Blue #1. In addition, the 30 mg capsules also contain propylene glycol.
Structure Formula