Nicardia Retard 20mg

NICARDIA RETARD 20MG

NICARDIA RETARD 20MG is a medication primarily used for managing high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. It is manufactured by J.B. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd..

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Nicardia Retard 20mg
  • Common Name: Nifedipine (extended-release tablets)

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Each sustained-release film-coated tablet contains Nifedipine USP 20 mg.
  • Excipients: Includes Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lactose Monohydrate, Dibasic calcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Corn starch, Purified water, Magnesium Stearate, and Tabcoat TC Orange, among others.

• Uses:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It relaxes and widens blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.
  • Prophylaxis of Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain): It improves blood flow to the heart by relaxing coronary arteries, reducing the frequency and severity of angina episodes.
  • Preterm Labour: It is also used to treat preterm labour in some cases.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Typically, tablets are swallowed whole with a little liquid, with or without food.
  • Do not crush or chew the tablet.
  • The recommended starting dose for Nicardia Retard 20 is often 10 mg every 12 hours, with subsequent titration of dosage according to response, up to a maximum daily dose of 80 mg.
  • Avoid taking with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
  • Consistency in taking the medicine at a fixed time daily is crucial for effectiveness.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, fatigue, swelling (especially of the ankles and legs), flushing (warm sensation), constipation, and rash.
  • Most common side effects usually do not require medical attention but consult a doctor if they persist or worsen.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and generally not recommended during breastfeeding as Nifedipine can pass into breast milk.
  • Cardiovascular Conditions: Use with caution in patients with very low blood pressure (severe hypotension), manifest heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, or poor cardiac reserve. It should not be used for acute attacks of angina or secondary prevention of myocardial infarction.
  • Liver Impairment: Careful monitoring and dose reduction may be necessary in patients with impaired liver function.
  • Drug Interactions:
    • Avoid concomitant use with rifampicin as it can reduce nifedipine's effectiveness.
    • Co-administration with CYP 3A4 inhibitors or inducers may require dose adjustment.
    • Avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase nifedipine levels and the risk of side effects.
    • Caution is advised when combining with beta-blockers or other antihypertensives due to potential additive effects leading to postural hypotension.
    • Careful monitoring is needed if administered with intravenous magnesium sulfate due to the risk of excessive blood pressure drop.
  • Diabetes: May require adjustment of diabetic control in diabetic patients.
  • Abrupt Withdrawal: Do not stop the medicine suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it can worsen the condition.

• Storage:

  • Store below 30°C.
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Nicardia Retard 20mg is a medication containing nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). It is a sustained-release (SR) or extended-release formulation, meaning it provides a longer-lasting effect.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nicardia Retard 20mg:

What is Nicardia Retard 20mg used for?

Nicardia Retard 20mg is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It is also used for the prophylaxis of chronic stable angina pectoris (chest pain caused by coronary artery disease). In some cases, it may also be used to treat preterm labor.

How does Nicardia Retard 20mg work?

Nicardia Retard 20mg contains nifedipine, which is a calcium channel blocker. It works by blocking calcium from entering the heart muscles and blood vessel walls. This action relaxes and widens the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily, which in turn lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart. By improving blood supply to the heart, it also helps prevent chest pain.

What is the usual dosage?

The recommended starting dose for Nicardia Retard 20mg is typically 10 mg every 12 hours, swallowed with water, and the dosage can be adjusted according to the patient's response, up to a maximum daily dose of 80 mg (40 mg every 12 hours). For hypertension or angina, therapy may be initiated with 30 or 60 mg once daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day for better results. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency based on your condition.

What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects of Nicardia Retard 20mg include headache, dizziness, flushing (a warm sensation), swelling of the ankles and legs (peripheral edema), fatigue, low blood pressure, and palpitations (unusual heartbeat). Nausea and constipation may also occur. Most common side effects usually do not require medical attention, but if they persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Nicardia Retard 20mg should generally not be used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the unborn baby. It should only be used if the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment and the benefits outweigh the risks, under special consideration by a doctor.

Nicardia Retard 20mg is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women because components of the medicine are likely to pass into breast milk, and the effects on the infant are not known. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Nicardia Retard 20mg can interact with other medications. It should not be used with rifampicin (an antibiotic) as it can decrease the effect of Nicardia Retard. Medicines like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital (used to treat epilepsy or sleep problems) may also decrease its effect. Other medicines like vecuronium, mizolastine, tubocurarine, tacrolimus, quinidine, and digoxin should be used with caution. Concomitant use with beta-blockers may increase the likelihood of congestive heart failure, severe hypotension, or exacerbation of angina. You should always inform your doctor about all medicines, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, liver problems, heart problems (including heart failure or aortic stenosis), kidney problems, or diabetes. Nicardia Retard 20mg is not recommended for patients under 18 years old. Avoid consuming alcohol and grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as they can worsen side effects or increase the concentration of the medicine in your blood. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt withdrawal can worsen your condition.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should it be stored?

Nicardia Retard 20mg should be stored below 30°C (86°F), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it in its original container with the lid securely fastened and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.