Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARDENE versus VASCOR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CARDENE versus VASCOR.
CARDENE vs VASCOR
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.
VASCOR (bepridil) is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium ion influx across cardiac and smooth muscle cells, reducing contractility and oxygen demand. It also has class I and IV antiarrhythmic properties.
20-40 mg orally three times daily.
Bepridil hydrochloride (Vascor) is typically dosed as 200 mg to 400 mg orally once daily.
None Documented
None Documented
1.5-2 hours (terminal); prolonged in hepatic impairment (up to 6-8 hours)
Terminal elimination half-life: 6-8 hours (normal renal/hepatic function). May be prolonged in hepatic impairment; unchanged in renal impairment.
Renal: 60% as metabolites, 10% unchanged; Fecal: 35%
Primarily hepatic metabolism; ~70% excreted in feces as metabolites, ~30% in urine (largely as metabolites). <2% excreted unchanged in urine.
Category C
Category C
Calcium Channel Blocker
Calcium Channel Blocker