Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARDENE versus CARDENE SR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARDENE versus CARDENE SR.
CARDENE vs CARDENE SR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Cardene (nicardipine) is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It dilates peripheral arterioles, reducing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, and also has coronary vasodilatory effects.
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.
20-40 mg orally three times daily.
Initial: 30 mg orally twice daily (SR capsules). Titrate up to 60 mg twice daily. Usual maintenance: 30-60 mg twice daily.
None Documented
None Documented
1.5-2 hours (terminal); prolonged in hepatic impairment (up to 6-8 hours)
Terminal elimination half-life 8.6 hours (range 6-15 hours). Clinical context: No accumulation at steady state with TID dosing.
Renal: 60% as metabolites, 10% unchanged; Fecal: 35%
Renal: 60% (metabolites, unchanged drug <1%); Biliary/Fecal: 35%
Category C
Category C
Calcium Channel Blocker
Calcium Channel Blocker