What it's used for
Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are used to manage chronic stable angina, either alone or in combination with beta-blockers.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
The dose should be individually titrated for each patient, starting at 20 mg three times daily, with effective doses typically ranging from 20 mg to 40 mg three times a day.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
About 7% of patients in short-term angina trials developed increased frequency, duration, or severity of angina when starting nicardipine or increasing the dose.
Common side effects
Adverse experiences in short-term studies were generally not serious, though about 10% of patients left studies prematurely because of side effects.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other everything else medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Nicardipine cost without insurance
Cash prices for Nicardipine without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Nicardipine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Nicardipine dosage and administration
Angina The dose should be individually titrated for each patient beginning with 20 mg three times daily. Doses in the range of 20 to 40 mg three times a day have been shown to be effective. At least 3 days should be allowed before increasing the nicardipine hydrochloride capsuels dose to ensure achievement of steady-state plasma drug concentrations. Concomitant Use With Other Antianginal Agents Sublingual NTG may be taken as required to abort acute anginal attacks during nicardipine hydrochloride capsules therapy. Prophylactic Nitrate Therapy: nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be safely coadministered with short- and long-acting nitrates. Beta-blockers : Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules may be safely coadministered with beta-blockers (see Drug Interactions ).
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Nicardipine side effects
In multiple-dose U.S. and foreign controlled short-term (up to 3 months) studies 1910 patients received nicardipine hydrochloride capsules alone or in combination with other drugs. In these studies adverse events were reported spontaneously; adverse experiences were generally not serious but occasionally required dosage adjustment and about 10% of patients left the studies prematurely because of them. Peak responses were not observed to be associated with adverse effects during clinical trials, but physicians should be aware that adverse effects associated with decreases in blood pressure (tachycardia, hypotension, etc.) could occur around the time of the peak effect. Most adverse effects were expected consequences of the vasodilator effects of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Nicardipine drug interactions
Beta Blockers In controlled clinical studies, adrenergic beta-receptor blockers have been frequently administered concomitantly with nicardipine hydrochloride capsules. The combination is well tolerated. Cimetidine Cimetidine increases nicardipine hydrochloride capsules plasma levels. Patients receiving the two drugs concomitantly should be carefully monitored. Digoxin Some calcium blockers may increase the concentration of digitalis preparations in the blood. Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules usually do not alter the plasma levels of digoxin; however, serum digoxin levels should be evaluated after concomitant therapy with nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are initiated. Maalox ® Coadministration of Maalox TC had no effect on nicardipine hydrochloride capsules absorption.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take nicardipine
Nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug. Because part of the effect of nicardipine hydrochloride capsules are secondary to reduced afterload, the drug is also contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. Reduction of diastolic pressure in these patients may worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is nicardipine covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Nicardipine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get nicardipine through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a nicardipine prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does nicardipine cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for nicardipine vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Nicardipine is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get nicardipine?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of nicardipine are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of nicardipine?
Angina The dose should be individually titrated for each patient beginning with 20 mg three times daily. Doses in the range of 20 to 40 mg three times a day have been shown to be effective. At least 3 days should be allowed before increasing the nicardipine hydrochloride capsuels dose to ensure achievement of steady-state plasma drug concentrations. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of nicardipine?
In multiple-dose U.S. and foreign controlled short-term (up to 3 months) studies 1910 patients received nicardipine hydrochloride capsules alone or in combination with other drugs. In these studies adverse events were reported spontaneously; adverse experiences were generally not serious but occasionally required dosage adjustment and about 10% of patients left the studies prematurely because of them. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with nicardipine?
Beta Blockers In controlled clinical studies, adrenergic beta-receptor blockers have been frequently administered concomitantly with nicardipine hydrochloride capsules. The combination is well tolerated. Cimetidine Cimetidine increases nicardipine hydrochloride capsules plasma levels. Patients receiving the two drugs concomitantly should be carefully monitored. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Nicardipine is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
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