Cardene is used for treating high blood pressure and certain types of angina (chest pain) in adults. It may be used in combination with other high blood pressure and angina medicines. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cardene is a calcium channel blocker. It works by dilating (widening) the arteries of the heart and other arteries to reduce angina chest pain and elevated blood pressure.

Most important: Cardene may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Cardene. Using Cardene alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medicine even though you may not feel quite “normal.” Contact your doctor or pharmacist about any new symptoms.

Maximum lowering of blood pressure occurs approximately 1 to 2 hours after taking the medicine. Blood pressure should be taken 1 to 2 hours after the medicine has been taken.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Cardene.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be necessary if you are using intravenous (IV) calcium.

LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, and monitoring of heart rate, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cardene during pregnancy. It is unknown if Cardene is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cardene.