Active ingredient
- nicardipine hydrochloride
Legal Category
POM: Prescription only medicine
POM: Prescription only medicine
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet are: PL 00166/0184, PL 00166/0183.
Cardene SR 30 and 45mg
Patient Information Leaflet
Cardene SR 30mg or 45mg capsules
Nicardipine hydrochloride
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine. It contains important information for you.
In this leaflet:
1. What Cardene SR capsules are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Cardene SR capsules
3. How to take Cardene SR capsules
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Cardene SR capsules
6. Further information
The name of your medicine is Cardene SR 30mg/45mg capsules. However, it will be referred to as Cardene SR capsules throughout the remainder of the leaflet
1. WHAT CARDENE SR CAPSULES ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
What are Cardene SR capsules
Cardene SR capsules contain the active ingredient nicardipine hydrochloride which belongs to the class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These cause relaxation of the smooth muscle of the blood vessels causing these vessels to widen or dilate.
What Cardene SR capsules are used for
Your medicine is used for the treatment of mild to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension).
2. BEFORE YOU TAKE CARDENE SR CAPSULES
Do not take Cardene SR capsules
Take special care with Cardene SR capsules (and speak to your doctor)
Make sure your doctor knows if you:
Taking other medicines and Cardene SR
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This is extremely important, as using more than one medicine at the same time can strengthen or weaken the effect of either Cardene SR capsules or other medicines. Especially tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
Taking Cardene SR capsules with food and drink
Cardene SR capsules must NOT be taken with grapefruit juice since it could interact and alter the effects of Cardene SR capsules.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
You should NOT take these capsules if you are pregnant. You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you think you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. You should NOT breast-feed if you are taking these capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Cardene SR capsules may cause dizziness. If you suffer from this do not drive or operate machinery.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Cardene SR capsules
This product contains lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
3. HOW TO TAKE CARDENE SR CAPSULES
Dosage
Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to and do not stop treatment unless they tell you to do so. Do not change the prescribed dose of your medicine yourself. If you think the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor.
The usual starting dose for treating mild to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension) is 30 mg every 12 hours. The usual effective dose is 45 mg every 12 hours. Your doctor may vary your dose according to your symptoms and blood pressure, taking particular care if you are elderly. The label will tell you how much to take and how often. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take this medicine if you are under 18 years of age.
Capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably at the same time each day. Do not use grapefruit juice.
If you take more Cardene SR capsules than you should
If you take too many capsules or someone else accidentally takes your medicine, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nearest hospital straight away.
If you forget to take Cardene SR capsules
If you forget to take a dose, take another dose as soon as you remember, provided there are at least 3 hours until your next dose. If this is not possible, do not take the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
This medicine sometimes causes side-effects. These are usually mild and tend to pass with time, but if they trouble you consult your doctor.
In some patients, Cardene SR capsules may cause an attack of angina (chest pain) shortly after first starting to take the capsules. If this happens to you, do not take any further doses and contact your doctor.
In addition a few patients experience an increase in the severity or frequency of chest pain during treatment with Cardene SR capsules. If this happens to you, you must inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Most frequent side effects
Other side effects include:
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE CARDENE SR CAPSULES
Keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children.
Protect from light and moisture and do not store above 25 °C.
This medicine must not be used after the date (EXP) printed on the pack. Return any leftover medicine to your pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
What Cardene SR capsules contain
Cardene SR capsules contain the active ingredient nicardipine hydrochloride in a sustained release formulation. Cardene SR capsules come in two strengths. Each capsule contains either 30mg or 45mg of nicardipine hydrochloride.
The other ingredients are pregelatinised starch, maize starch, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose and methacrylic acid copolymer. The capsule shell contains gelatin and titanium dioxide E171 and the 45mg capsule shell also contains indigo carmine E132. Printing Ink containing Shellac (E904), Red Iron Oxide (E172), Propylene Glycol, Ammonia Solution, Potassium Hydroxide.
What Cardene SR capsules look like and contents of the pack
Cardene SR 30 mg capsules are coloured opaque white and are printed in red ink with the strength and company logo.
Cardene SR 45 mg capsules are coloured opaque blue and are printed in red ink with the strength and company logo.
Both strengths of capsules are available in packs of 56.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
The Marketing Authorisations for Cardene SR capsules 30mg and 45mg are held by
Cardene SR capsules are made by
The site where batch release takes place is
This leaflet was last revised in March 2017.
152008
14121/11
SPACE, 68 Chertsey road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5BJ, UK
0800 783 5018
+44 (0) 203 379 8721