DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
CONTRAINDICATION EFFECT
GENERIC: Nicardipine is a second
generation slow calcium channel
NICARDIPINE inhibitor, and belongs to the
HYDROCHLORIDE phenyl-dihydropyridine group.
Nicardipine has a greater
selectivity for L-type calcium
BRAND: channels in vascular smooth
muscle than cardiac myocytes. At
AMBIPINE
very low concentrations it inhibits
the influx of calcium into the cell.
Its action is produced mainly on
CLASS: arterial smooth muscle. This is
reflected in relatively large and
Calcium channel blockers
rapid changes in blood pressure,
with minimal inotropic changes in
cardiac function.
THERAPEUTIC:
Antihypertensive
SOURCE:
DOSAGE
Saunders Nursing Drug
1 mg/mL (10 mg/10 mL)
Handbook 2019
ROUTE:
IV
INDICATION/ SIDE EFFECTS/ ADVERSE NURSING
RESPONSIBILITIES
INDICATIONs: - Blurred vision Assess
- Confusion - Intake output ratio
Chronic stable angina – Nifedipine - Dizziness, faintness, or - Uterine contractions and
reduced the frequency of angina and lightheadedness when FHR
increased the mean exercise time in the getting up from a lying or - Blood pressure, pulse and
IMAGE trial. Reflex tachycardia may sitting position suddenly respiration
limit its effectiveness; the addition of a - Sweating
beta-blocker can overcome this Administer
- Unusual tiredness or
limitation. A long-acting formulation is - By IV infusion. Monitor
weakness drop rate.
preferred (extended-release). - Chills - Make crash cart available
- Dry mouth
- Extra heartbeat Evaluate
Vasopastic angina – It can be used as a - Fast, pounding, or - Length and duration of
second line of treatment irregular heartbeat or contractions
pulse - Notify physician of
Hypertension – May be used as contractions lasting over
- Frequent urination
monotherapy or combination with 1 minute or absence of
- Increased thirst
several different medications to manage contractions
- Mood changes
hypertension (such as ACE inhibitor,
- Loss of appetite
ARB, thiazide diuretic. Teach
- Muscle pain or cramps
- To report increased blood
- Numbness or tingling in loss, abdominal cramps or
hands, feet, or lips increased temperature.
CONTRAINDICATION:
- Shortness of breath
- Hypersensitivity to nifedipine
or its components
- ST-elevation myocardial
infarction
- Severe aortic stenosis
- Unstable angina
- Hypotension
- Heart failure
- Moderate to severe heptic
impairment