Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicardipine; a systematic review.

Introduction: Nicardipine is a type of calcium channel blocker that is commonly used in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, and related cardiovascular disorders. This systematic review assesses the reported pharmacokinetic (PK) and associated pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters of nicardipine in humans.

Areas Covered: An exhaustive literature search using four internet databases was conducted up to 5 October 2023, which yielded 871 papers, of which 32 fulfilled the eligibility requirements by including human PK and related PD data. The area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve from zero to infinity (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C) of nicardipine rise proportionately with increasing dosage. One study revealed that AUC of nicardipine was increased by 5-fold in hepatic cirrhosis patients compared to the control subjects. Moreover, related PD data in renal-impaired hypertensive patients revealed that a notable reduction in blood pressure was associated with nicardipine administration.

Expert Opinion: This review covers comprehensive data on clinical PK, drug-drug interaction studies, effects of dosage form on ADME, and associated PD parameters of nicardipine using all relevant published studies. The present study will also aid in the development and evaluation of PK models for suggesting model-informed dosing regimens.

Prospero Number: CRD42024533051.