Nifedipine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Nifedipine (nye-FED-i-peen)

Treats high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Nifedical XL, Nifediac CC, Afeditab CR, Procardia XL, Adalat CC, Procardia

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nifedipine or to similar medicines such as diltiazem, verapamil, Lotrel®, or Norvasc®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole; do not break, crush, or chew it.
  • While taking the extended-release form of this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • There are many other medicines that can interact with nifedipine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using. This includes over-the-counter medicines that can increase your blood pressure (such as diet pills, cold and allergy medicines, or asthma medicines).
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart failure, stomach problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or coronary artery disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have a heart condition called aortic stenosis (narrowing of a valve in your heart).
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect).
  • Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Flushing or feeling warm.
  • Headache or tired feeling.
  • Leg pain.
  • Nausea or constipation.
  • Problems with urination.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
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