Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARDENE SR versus DILT CD.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARDENE SR versus DILT CD.
CARDENE SR vs DILT-CD
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It produces relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle and dilation of coronary arteries, and also dilates peripheral arteries, reducing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure.
Diltiazem inhibits calcium ion influx during depolarization of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby reducing intracellular calcium levels. It decreases sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal conduction and dilates coronary and peripheral arteries.
Initial: 30 mg orally twice daily (SR capsules). Titrate up to 60 mg twice daily. Usual maintenance: 30-60 mg twice daily.
180-360 mg PO once daily (extended-release); 300-540 mg PO once daily for hypertension; 120-480 mg PO once daily for angina; IV: 0.25 mg/kg bolus over 2 min, then 5-15 mg/hr continuous infusion.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life 8.6 hours (range 6-15 hours). Clinical context: No accumulation at steady state with TID dosing.
Terminal elimination half-life 7-10 hours; clinically relevant in hepatic impairment (prolonged to 14-20 hours) and in elderly
Renal: 60% (metabolites, unchanged drug <1%); Biliary/Fecal: 35%
Renal 2-4% unchanged; extensive hepatic metabolism; 60-70% fecal, 30-40% renal as metabolites
Category C
Category C
Calcium Channel Blocker
Calcium Channel Blocker