• Calcium channel blockers, such as nicardipine, play an important role in treating arterial hypertension and cerebral vasospasm, both of which are associated with intracranial hematoma and increased intracranial hypertension.

 

• Many consider nicardipine to be an excellent choice for treating an acute hypertensive emergency in the setting of intracranial hemorrhage.

 

• Dosing should start at an infusion of 5 mg/hr.  Titrate by 2.5 mg/hr every 5 to 15 minutes to desired effect, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg/hr. 

References

• "Emergency Drugs in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine."  http://priory.com/emerg2.htm
• Tuncer et al.  "Effects of Calcium Channel Blocker, Nicardipine, on Intracranial and Cerebral Perfusion Pressure in Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage."  Turkish Neurosurgery 3: 48-52. 1993.