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- Calcium channel blockers, such as nicardipine, play an important role in treating arterial hypertension and cerebral vasospasm, both of which are associated with intracranial hematoma and increased intracranial hypertension.
- Many consider nicardipine to be an excellent choice for treating an acute hypertensive emergency in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage.
- Dosing should start at an infusion of 5 mg/hr. Titrate by 2.5 mg/hr every 5 to 15 minutes to desired effect, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg/hr.
References
- "Emergency Drugs in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine." http://priory.com/emerg2.htm
- Tuncer et al. "Effects of Calcium Channel Blocker, Nicardipine, on Intracranial and Cerebral Perfusion Pressure in Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage." Turkish Neurosurgery 3: 48-52. 1993.