Blood pressure and rate control
Nicardipine (Cardene) drip
Cardene
Dosing
| Start | 5 mg/h |
|---|---|
| Titrate | 2.5 mg/h every 5–15 minutes |
| Maximum | 15 mg/h |
| Common bags | 20 mg in 200 mL (100 mcg/mL); 40 mg in 200 mL (200 mcg/mL) |
| Dose units | mg/h |
Line and administration
- Peripheral is fine; change the site every 12 hours (phlebitis)
Watch for
- Reflex tachycardia
- Hypotension overshoot after stopping is slow to reverse
Nicardipine: full drug monographIndications, mechanism, pharmacokinetics, cautions and every dose the app lists.
In the one-pagers
- Aortic Dissection and Hypertensive EmergencyAortic dissection: Beta-blocker FIRST (esmolol or labetalol), then a vasodilator (nicardipine, clevidipine or nitroprusside) if BP stays high
- Obstetric EmergenciesPreeclampsia with severe features, eclampsia and HELLP: For sustained control, PB 222 also lists infusions of labetalol 1–2 mg/min or hydralazine 0.5–10 mg/h, and ICUs often use nicardipine. Aim for a safe range, not normal, because placental flow follows maternal pressure: 130–150/80–100 in the 2025 ACOG/NAEMSP guideline, 135/85 in NICE NG133. NSAIDs remain preferred over opioids for postpartum p
Practice Aortic Dissection and Hypertensive Emergency questions free19 exam-style questions with rationales on the topic where nicardipine comes up most. No account or download needed.
Other blood pressure and rate control
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For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. Study aid: check every dose against your local protocols and medical direction, the bag label and your pump.