PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (heart-related chest pain). It belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart. This helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR may be prescribed alone or along with other medicines. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to treat your condition. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on how you respond to this medicine and your blood pressure levels. You can take it at any time of the day, with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day. Take this medicine as soon as you have taken it out of the packet. It is sensitive to light and may not work properly if it is left out of the pack for too long.
Keep taking it for as long as advised by your doctor. Even if you feel well, do not stop this medicine on your own because high blood pressure often has no symptoms. If you stop taking it, your condition may get worse. Keeping active with regular exercise, reducing your weight, and eating a healthy diet will also help control your blood pressure. Follow your doctor’s advice while taking this medicine.
Before taking it, let your doctor know if you have any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor for advice before taking this medicine. You also need to tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions. Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking this medicine as it can significantly decrease your blood pressure and make you feel dizzy or light-headed. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly to make sure that this medicine is working properly.
BENEFITS OF NICARDIA TABLET SR
In Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, or kidney problems in the future. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well. Take regularly, as prescribed for this medicine to be most effective, even if you feel better.
In Prevention of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body. This means that more oxygen gets to your heart and reduces the risk of getting chest pain (angina). This medicine should not be used to treat chest pain which is already happening. It is used to prevent or reduce the frequency of angina attacks. This medicine needs to be taken regularly as prescribed for it to work effectively. So, it is important to keep taking it even if you feel well and have no symptoms.
In Prevention of Heart attack
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR helps lower your blood pressure and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This reduces the chances of you having a heart attack. It can also reduce the risk of dying if it is given immediately after a heart attack. This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective, so keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.
In Prevention of Stroke
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR reduces the risk of future strokes. It helps lower your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This reduces the chances of you having a stroke. Take it as advised by the doctor to get the maximum benefit.
HOW TO USE NICARDIA TABLET SR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW NICARDIA TABLET SR WORKS
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is a calcium channel blocker. In high blood pressure, it normalizes the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to reduce the pressure on them, thereby improving the blood flow in the body. The enhanced blood flow in the body further relaxes the heart muscles by reducing the workload on the heart. It also improves the oxygen flow in the body, thereby, preventing any heart-related chest pain.
SAFETY ADVICE
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR may cause dizziness or weakness due to low blood pressure. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR may make you feel dizzy, faint, extremely tired or have visual disturbances. This may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is recommended.
However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Interaction with drugs
Using the below medicines along with Nicardia CD Retard Tablet may reduce the efficacy or cause side effects.
- Prednisolone : (SERIOUS)
- Itraconazole : (SERIOUS)
- Lithium carbonate : (SERIOUS)
- Roxithromycin : (SERIOUS)
- Indapamide : (SERIOUS)
- Rosuvastatin : (SERIOUS)
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE NICARDIA TABLET SR?
If you miss a dose of Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
SIDE EFFECTS
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Nicardia
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Headache
- Peripheral edema
FAQ's
Q. Is Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR a diuretic?
No, Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is not a diuretic medication. However, some evidence indicates that Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR has a partial diuretic property which may result in increased sodium loss through urine. It is a medication which relaxes the blood vessels by directly acting on them. This helps to decrease the blood pressure of the individual. As a result, blood flows more easily and lowers blood pressure, which helps to reduce the strain or pressure on your heart.
Q. Is Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR bad for kidneys?
No, Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR is not bad for kidneys. In few research studies, taking Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR in recommended doses has in fact been shown to be beneficial for the kidneys. It is not advised to use this medicine without consulting the doctor. It should be used exactly as prescribed.
Q. Can Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR cause liver damage?
Yes,Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR can cause liver damage in some cases, but this is very rare. However, some people may develop a rise in liver enzymes after taking Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR. Let your doctor know if you notice any such changes in your recent lab tests. Do not start this medication without consulting your doctor and do inform him if you have any history of liver disease or liver damage. This is because, in case of liver damage, dose adjustment may be required.
Q. Does Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR affect blood sugar?
No, Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR does not cause any change in blood sugar levels. It has been observed that Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR has no effect on the release of insulin or change in blood sugar levels. However, before starting the medicine, inform the doctor if you are diabetic. This is done because the medicine for blood pressure is suggested accordingly when a patient is diabetic.
Q. Can Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR be used in pregnancy and nursing mothers?
It is advised that you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. It should be used only if prescribed by the doctor in case of pregnancy. Studies have shown significant risks to the developing baby and it is given only if the benefits are clearly more than the risks involved.
Q. Does Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR cause palpitations?
Yes. Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR can cause palpitations as a side effect. However, this is usually not bothersome and resolves as you continue with the treatment. If the symptom persists for long, consult the doctor who will suggest the ways to prevent it.
Q. Do I need to change my diet while taking Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR?
Yes, making small changes to your diet can help your medicine work better. You must take a low sodium and low-fat diet, and adhere to the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor. You should also avoid eating grapefruit (chakotra) or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR.
Q. My blood pressure is now controlled. Can I stop taking Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR now?
No, do not stop taking it on your own as it may worsen your condition. You should take Nicardia CD Retard 30 Tablet SR in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor for any query or dose modification.
