Nicardipine hydrochloride (cardene) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. it belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers.nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocking agent used for the treatment of vascular disorders such as chronic stable angina, hypertension, and raynaud s phenomenon. its mechanism of action and clinical effects closely resemble those of nifedipine and the other dihydropyridines (amlodipine, felodipine), except that nicardipine is more selective for cerebral and coronary blood vessels.