Its mechanism of action and clinical effects closely resemble those of nifedipine and the other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, felodipine), except that nicardipine is more selective for cerebral and coronary blood vessels. It is primarily a peripheral arterial vasodilator, thus unlike the nitrovasodilators (nitroglycerin and nitroprusside), cardiac preload is minimally affected. It has the longest duration among parenteral CCBs.[3][4] As its use may lead to reflex tachycardia, it is advisable to use it in conjunction with a beta-blocker.[4][3] In the setting of a ruptured brain aneurysm, nicardipine may be used (if nimodipine is unavailable) to reduce blood pressure and as prevention or treatment against cerebral vasospasm.[1]
It was patented in 1973 and approved for medical use in 1981.[5] Nicardipine was approved by the FDA in December 1988. The patent for both Cardene and Cardene SR expired in October 1995.[6]
^ abHemphill JC, Smith WS, Gress DR (2022). "Chapter 429: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage". (21st ed.). New York: McGraw Hill. ISBN978-1-264-26850-4. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
^Huang RI, Patel P, Walinsky P, Fischman DL, Ogilby JD, Awar M, et al. (November 2006). "Efficacy of intracoronary nicardipine in the treatment of no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention". Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. 68 (5): 671–676. doi:10.1002/ccd.20885. PMID17034064. S2CID37071966.
^ abFreeman BS (2014). "Vasodilators". In Freeman BS, Berger JS (eds.). Anesthesiology Core Review: Part One Basic Exam. McGraw Hill. ISBN978-0-07-182137-7.
