Emergency Drugs · Dihydropyridine CCB (IV titratable)
Nicardipine
Dose
Infusion 5 mg/h IV; titrate by 2.5 mg/h q5–15 min; max 15 mg/h.
Mechanism
Selective arterial vasodilation.
Indications
- • Hypertensive emergency
- • Postoperative HTN
- • SAH-related HTN
Contraindications
- • Severe AS
- • Advanced HF
Dilution & preparation
25 mg in 240 mL D5W = 0.1 mg/mL
Use
Predictable BP reduction in hypertensive emergency (esp neurological).
Monitoring
Continuous arterial BP.
Side effects
- • Headache
- • Flushing
- • Reflex tachycardia
- • Phlebitis (rotate site q12h)
Related in WardRound
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
