Nicardipine Hcl Coupons & Prices

Nicardipine HCl is the generic form of the discontinued brand-name drug Cardene, a calcium channel blocker prescribed for chronic stable angina and high blood pressure, with an IV form used for short-term treatment of hypertension when oral therapy isn't feasible or desirable. Because all brand versions are gone from the US market, every prescription filled today is the generic, and cash prices for nicardipine HCl can vary widely from one pharmacy to the next. Enter your ZIP above to compare a nicardipine HCl coupon across pharmacies near you and find the lowest price today.

What is nicardipine HCl and how does it work?

Nicardipine hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker in the dihydropyridine class. Oral capsules, both immediate-release and extended-release (SR), are used to manage chronic stable angina and to treat high blood pressure. A separate IV injection form is used for the short-term treatment of hypertension when oral therapy isn't feasible or not desirable.

The drug works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. Nicardipine HCl was originally sold under the brand name Cardene (with Cardene SR and Cardene I.V. versions), but all brand versions have since been discontinued in the US; today it's available only as a generic.

Comparing nicardipine HCl prices

Because nicardipine HCl is generic-only, pricing depends entirely on which pharmacy you use, and cash prices for the same medication can differ significantly from one pharmacy to another in the same area. Rx.com compares prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, so you can find where your prescription costs the least before you fill it. Enter your ZIP code above to see today's price at pharmacies near you.

If cost is a concern, ask your pharmacist or provider whether the immediate-release capsule, the extended-release (SR) capsule, or a different calcium channel blocker best fits your treatment plan and budget, since not every form or alternative is priced the same.

Nicardipine vs. other calcium channel blockers

Nicardipine is one of several calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure and/or angina. Other dihydropyridine options include amlodipine, nifedipine, and felodipine, while diltiazem and verapamil belong to a different class (non-dihydropyridine) and also slow heart rate. Which one is right for you depends on your specific diagnosis, other medications, and how your body responds, so this is a decision for you and your prescriber, not something to switch on your own.

Safety information

Nicardipine HCl does not carry an FDA boxed warning, but it is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis and should not be prescribed to people with this condition. In these patients, lowering the pressure the heart pumps against can reduce diastolic blood pressure and worsen, rather than improve, the heart muscle's oxygen balance. Separately, in patients for whom nicardipine is appropriate, it can still cause symptomatic low blood pressure, particularly if the dose is increased quickly. In some patients with coronary artery disease, angina can worsen or a heart attack can occur when starting the drug or increasing the dose. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, flushing, swelling in the legs or feet, heart palpitations, and nausea. The IV form requires continuous blood pressure and heart rate monitoring and carries a risk of reactions at the infusion site.

Do not stop taking nicardipine HCl abruptly without talking to your provider, since stopping suddenly can cause a rebound increase in chest pain. Use caution with liver problems, heart failure, or if you're also taking a beta-blocker or other blood pressure medication, and be aware that grapefruit juice can raise nicardipine levels in your body. This is general information, not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation.