The effects of nicardipine in hypertensive subjects with impaired renal function

Abstract

1 The pharmacokinetics of nicardipine and its effects on blood pressure and renal function were studied after single and multiple doses in normal subjects and in patients with impaired renal function. 2 Renal impairment was associated with higher peak plasma levels at 1 h following drug administration, a greater area under the concentration-time curve and decreased overall clearance. 3 Nicardipine produced a greater lowering of blood pressure in hypertensive subjects as compared with normals, with similar effects after single and multiple doses. 4 Nicardipine had no measurable effect on glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow, but the drug caused a significant increase in sodium excretion in normal and renal impaired subjects.