Intravenous nicardipine: cardiovascular effects and clinical relevance

Abstract

Nicardipine hydrochloride is the first intravenous dihydropyridine calcium antagonist to become available in the United States. Its chemical structure makes it unique among its drug class and confers clinically useful properties for the treatment of acute cardiovascular conditions, such as ischemia, hypertension, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, and related disorders. For patients with coronary artery disease, IV nicardipine reduces myocardial oxygen demand by reducing afterload and increases myocardial oxygen supply through coronary vasodilatation. Preliminary data suggest that nicardipine also has cardioprotective and vascular antispastic effects. Nicardipine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension both as monotherapy and in combination with other antihypertensive agents. In congestive heart failure, nicardipine enhances left ventricular pumping activity and augments coronary blood flow beyond that required by increased myocardial oxygen consumption. Its lack of major effects on sinoatrial and atrioventricular conduction makes it safe for use in patients with certain types of conduction disturbances. Nicardipine's rapid onset and short duration of action are additional advantages for use in the management of acute cardiovascular disorders.