Cardene is a prescription medication used to help control high blood pressure and certain types of angina.
Take Cardene exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosing schedule can vary depending on the formulation you are using.
Take Cardene at the Same Times Each Day
Try to take Cardene at about the same time every day.
A regular schedule can help keep a steady amount of medication in your body and make it easier to remember each dose.
Some oral formulations may be taken two or three times daily, depending on the product and your treatment plan.
Swallow the Tablet Whole
Swallow Cardene tablets whole with water.
Do not split, crush, or chew the tablet unless your healthcare provider or pharmacist specifically tells you that it is safe to do so.
Altering some formulations may affect how the medication is released and absorbed.
Take Cardene Exactly as Prescribed
Do not take more or less Cardene than prescribed.
Taking extra medication will not make your blood pressure or chest pain improve faster and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, or a fast heartbeat.
Continue Taking Cardene Even If You Feel Well
Keep taking Cardene even if you do not have symptoms.
High blood pressure often does not make people feel sick, so you may not notice when the medication is working.
If you are taking Cardene for angina, your chest pain may become less frequent even though the underlying heart condition is still present.
Do Not Stop Cardene on Your Own
Do not stop taking Cardene without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Stopping treatment may allow your blood pressure to rise again or may cause angina symptoms to return or become worse.
Your healthcare provider can tell you how to safely change or stop treatment if necessary.
Cardene and Angina
Cardene may help prevent or reduce episodes of chronic stable angina by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Not for Immediate Relief of Chest Pain
Cardene is not intended to provide rapid relief once an episode of sudden chest pain has already started.
If your healthcare provider has prescribed a fast-acting medication for sudden angina, use it exactly as directed.
Seek urgent medical attention if chest pain is severe, feels different from your usual angina, lasts longer than expected, or does not improve with your prescribed rescue treatment.
Recommended Oral Dosage
The dose of Cardene depends on the specific formulation, the condition being treated, and your response to treatment.
Extended-Release Dosage
For some extended-release formulations, doses used in clinical studies have ranged from 30 mg to 60 mg taken twice daily.
Your healthcare provider may start you at a lower dose and gradually adjust it based on your blood pressure, angina symptoms, and side effects.
Immediate-Release Dosage
Some immediate-release nicardipine formulations may be taken more frequently during the day.
Because dosing differs between formulations, always follow the instructions provided with your specific Cardene prescription.
Do not switch between immediate-release and extended-release products on your own.
Dose Adjustments
Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on:
- Your blood pressure readings
- The frequency of angina attacks
- Your heart rate
- Your response to treatment
- Side effects
- Other medical conditions
- Other medications you take
The goal is to find the lowest effective dose that controls your condition without causing troublesome side effects.
If You Miss a Dose
If you miss an oral dose of Cardene, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
When Will Cardene Start Working?
Cardene begins affecting blood vessels after you take it, but the amount of time needed to see the full benefit can vary.
Your blood pressure may begin to improve before you notice any change in how you feel.
If you are taking Cardene for angina, it may take time to determine whether your attacks are becoming less frequent.
Regular Monitoring
Your healthcare provider may check your:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Angina symptoms
- Swelling
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Overall response to treatment
These checks can help determine whether your dose needs to be adjusted.
Important Treatment Reminders
Take Cardene exactly as prescribed and follow the directions on your medication label carefully.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you use because nicardipine can interact with other medications.
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe dizziness, fainting, worsening swelling, a very fast heartbeat, or chest pain that becomes more frequent or severe.
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