Section 13 · Monograph
Clevidipine
Reviewed Nov 2026FDA label
CleviprexCalcium channel blocker · IV
- Forms
- IV emulsion: 0.5mg/mL (50, 100mL)
- Dose
- Start 1-2mg/h, titrate (doubling every 90 sec initially); typical max 21mg/h
- MOA
- Ultra-short-acting arterial vasodilation
Indications
- Reduction of blood pressure when oral therapy is not feasible or desirableFDA-labeled
Mechanism of Action
- Ultra-short-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (half-life about 1 minute) metabolized by blood and tissue esterases
Full Dosing
Adult / usual
- Start 1-2mg/h; double the rate every 90 seconds initially, then by smaller increments every 5-10 minutes as BP nears goal
- Typical maintenance 4-6mg/h; maximum 21mg/h
- Limit total infusion volume to about 1000mL per 24 hours
Contraindications
- Allergy to soybeans, soy products, eggs or egg products
- Defective lipid metabolism (pathologic hyperlipemia, lipoid nephrosis, acute pancreatitis with hyperlipidemia)
- Severe aortic stenosis
Drug Interactions
- No CYP interactions
- Additive hypotension with other antihypertensives
Adverse Effects
- Hypotension and reflex tachycardia
- Headache, nausea
- Rebound hypertension after stopping
- Hypertriglyceridemia and lipid load with prolonged infusion (emulsion provides about 2 kcal/mL)
Monitoring Parameters
- Continuous BP and heart rate
- Triglycerides and pancreatitis symptoms with prolonged use
- Account for lipid intake in nutrition
Pregnancy & Lactation
- Limited data; use if benefit justifies risk