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What happens if I miss a dose (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a nicardipine overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

What should I avoid while taking nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nicardipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.

Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking nicardipine.

What other drugs will affect nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)?

Before taking nicardipine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• another heart medication to treat the same or another condition;
• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral).

You may not be able to take nicardipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with nicardipine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about nicardipine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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