The Basics
What is Nicardipine?
Used to treat high blood pressure and to control chest pain (angina).
Brand names for Nicardipine
Cardene
How Nicardipine is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Calcium Channel Blockers, Vasodilator Agents
Nicardipine During Pregnancy
Nicardipine pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Nicardipine while pregnant
Nicardipine was embryocidal when administered orally to pregnant Japanese White rabbits, during organogenesis, at 150 mg/kg/day (a dose associated with marked body weight gain suppression in the treated doe) but not at 50 mg/kg/day (25 times the maximum recommended dose in man). No adverse effects on the fetus were observed when New Zealand albino rabbits were treated, during organogenesis, with up to 100 mg nicardipine/kg/day (a dose associated with significant mortality in the treated doe). In pregnant rats administered nicardipine orally at up to 100 mg/kg/day (50 times the maximum recommended human dose) there was no evidence of embryolethality or teratogenicity. However, dystocia, reduced birth weights, reduced neonatal survival and reduced neonatal weight gain were noted. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. CARDENE SR should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Nicardipine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Nicardipine?
Because of the low levels of nicardipine in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because of the low levels of nicardipine in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. No special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Nicardipine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Nicardipine
Nifedipine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Jarreau PH, Le Beller C, Guillonneau M, Jacqz-Aigrain E. Excretion of nicardipine in human milk. Paediatr Perinat Drug Ther. 2000;4:28-30.
2. Bartels P, Hanff L, Mathot R et al. Nicardipine in pre-eclamptic patients: Placental transfer and disposition in breast milk. BJOG. 2006;114:230-3. PMID: 17166219
3. Matsumura H, Takagi K, Seki H et al. Placental transfer of intravenous nicardipine and disposition into breast milk during the control of hypertension in women with pre-eclampsia. Hypertens Pregnancy. 2014;33:93-101. PMID: 24131296
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
