Cardene Intravenous and Sertraline Oral Concentrate

• Generic Name: nicardipine
• Dosage Forms: sustained release capsules
• Other Brand Names: Cardene IV, Cardene SR, Cardene

Nicardipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .

Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, nicardipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .

• Generic Name: sertraline
• Dosage Forms: oral solution, concentrate
• Other Brand Names: Zoloft

Management of major depressive disorder.

Efficacy in hospital settings not established.

APA states that effectiveness of antidepressants is generally comparable between and within classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, and other antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone). Choose antidepressant based mainly on patient preference; nature of prior response to medication; safety, tolerability, and anticipated adverse effects; concurrent psychiatric and medical conditions; and specific properties of the medication (e.g., half-life, actions on CYP450 enzymes, other drug interactions). For most patients, an SSRI, SNRI, mirtazapine, or bupropion is considered optimal. Consult APA’s Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder for additional information.

Management of OCD; reduces but does not completely eliminate obsessions and compulsions.

Management of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.

Management of PTSD; more effective in women than in men.

Not effective for combat- or war-related PTSD.

Management of PMDD; improves symptoms (e.g., depressed mood, premenstrual anger/irritability) and functional impairment (e.g., difficulty in concentrating, lethargy) associated with this disorder.

Efficacy when used in conjunction with oral contraceptives for the treatment of PMDD is unknown.

Management of social phobia (social anxiety disorder).

Has been used in the management of premature ejaculation.

Has been used in the management of vascular headaches with equivocal efficacy.