| name | Clevidipine |
| route of administration | IV |
| classification | Calcium channel blocker, vasodilator |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed after IV administration; reaches peak plasma concentration within minutes | | distribution | Distributes extensively to tissues; highly protein-bound | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily by the liver; undergoes ester hydrolysis | | excretion | Eliminated primarily as inactive metabolites in the urine and bile |
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| suggested dosage | | general | Dosage should be individualized based on patient response and blood pressure goals. Initiation and titration are critical. | | starting dose | 1-2 mcg/kg/min IV | | titration | Titrate dose up or down every 2-5 minutes in increments of 0.5-2 mcg/kg/min, to achieve the desired blood pressure. | | maximum dose | 20 mcg/kg/min | | patient specific considerations | Adjusting for factors such as age, renal function, or concomitant medications is important for accurate and safe dosage calculation. | | weight specific considerations | The suggested initial dosage range is tailored for a 70 kg individual. |
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| indications | Hypertension crisis, particularly in acute situations like acute aortic dissection, post-operative hypertension, and during cardiac procedures. |
| safety in pregnancy | | classification | Category C | | explanation | Animal studies have shown adverse effects, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women are lacking. Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | classification | Not established | | explanation | Limited data are available about clevidipine excretion into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Headache | | 2 | Hypotension | | 3 | Nausea | | 4 | Vomiting | | 5 | Flushing | | 6 | Dizziness | | 7 | Tachycardia | | 8 | Arrhythmias (less common) | | 9 | Rash (less common) | | 10 | Palpitations | | 11 | Fever (less common) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Severe hypotension | | 2 | Hypersensitivity to clevidipine or any of its components | | 3 | Severe bradycardia |
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| interactions | | other medications | Inhibitors of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly those with a similar mechanism of action may modify clevidipine's effect. Consult with pharmacist or physician on the potential for drug-drug interaction. | | foods | No significant known food interactions with clevidipine. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate during and after administration | | 2 | Rapid reductions in blood pressure can be dangerous. Adjust the dose carefully and avoid over-titration. | | 3 | Monitor for signs of bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac dysfunction. | | 4 | Potential for allergic reactions (including angioedema and anaphylaxis) | | 5 | Infusion-related reactions (e.g., fever, chills, flushing, urticaria) can occur | | 6 | Risk of lipid-related adverse reactions (e.g., hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis in rare cases) due to the emulsion formulation. | | 7 | Caution in patients with severe liver or renal disease |
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| additional information | | special instructions | Infusion should be administered via dedicated IV line. Avoid use in patients with severe lipid disorders or those at high risk. | | monitoring recommendations | Continuous cardiac monitoring and frequent blood pressure measurements are crucial during clevidipine infusion. |
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| patient specific information | Age and weight considerations are used to calculate the appropriate dosage range. The provided starting dose and titration recommendations are guidelines and should be tailored based on patient response and physician judgment. A comprehensive patient history including past medical conditions, allergies, and medications currently being taken is important for appropriate clinical management. |
| disclaimer | This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication. |
