Nicardipine via direct IV

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Hello fellow nurses! Can nicardipine be given via direct IV push? No current iv lines so i decided to give it via direct IV, injected 1mg (1ml) slow iv., is that okay? Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

There are only two or three reasons I could see for rapid reduction in blood pressure, so I'm going to say no, it's not okay. The manufacturer's drug monograph stipulates continuous IV infusion only, via large vein or central line. Recommended maximum initial rate is 5 mg/hr. You really need to check the parenteral drug manual and with a clinical pharmacist at your work site on this.

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Wait, have you already given it??

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I've never given it unless it was as drip, mainly for bleed strokes.

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What possible reason might you have to do that? I can't imagine under what circumstances you'd wanna push nicardipine? Please offer more details.

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Wait, have you already given it??

No current iv lines so "i decided to give" it via direct IV, injected 1mg (1ml) slow iv.,

I doubt the OP will be ever be back. :woot:

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No current iv lines so "i decided to give" it via direct IV, injected 1mg (1ml) slow iv.,

I doubt the OP will be ever be back. :woot:

Hopefully the patient is okay :unsure:

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