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.
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.
