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|Nifedipine Nifedipine

Nifedipine

Generic name: Nifedipine
Brand names: Adalat CC, Adalat, Procardia XL, Procardia

Why is Nifedipine prescribed?

Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL are used to treat angina (chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries or spasm of the arteries). Nifedipine XL is also used to treat high blood pressure. Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL are calcium channel blockers. They ease the workload of the heart by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the arteries, allowing them to dilate. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, and helps prevent angina. Nifedipine XL is taken once a day and provides a steady rate of medication over a 24-hour period.

Most important fact about Nifedipine

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Nifedipine XL regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Nifedipine XL; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Nifedipine XL does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Nifedipine?

Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.

Nifedipine XL tablets are specially designed to release the medication into your bloodstream slowly. As a result, something that looks like a tablet may occasionally appear in your stool. This is normal and simply means that the medication has been released, and the shell that contained the medication has been eliminated from your body.

Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew.

Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL can be taken with or without food. Adalat CC should be taken on an empty stomach.

Do not substitute another brand of nifedipine for Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL unless your doctor directs.

Nifedipine XL should be taken once a day. You can take it in the morning or evening, but should hold to the same time each day.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL can be stored at room temperature. Protect from moisture, light, humidity, and excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL.

• More common side effects may include:
  Constipation, cough, dizziness, fatigue, flushing, giddiness, headache, heartburn, heat sensation, light-headedness, mood changes, muscle cramps, nasal congestion, nausea, sore throat, swelling of arms, legs, hands, and feet, tremors, wheezing

Why should Nifedipine not be prescribed?

Nifedipine should not be used if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or are sensitive to it or other calcium channel blockers (Adalat, Calan, others). Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Nifedipine

Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL may cause your blood pressure to become too low, which may make you feel light-headed or faint. This is more likely to happen when you start taking the medication and when the amount you take is increased. It is also more likely to occur if you are also taking a beta-blocker heart medication such as Tenormin or Inderal. Your doctor should check your blood pressure when you start taking Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL and continue monitoring it while your dosage is being adjusted.

Nifedipine XL can be used for high blood pressure; plain Nifedipine should be used only for angina--NOT for high blood pressure.

Do not take Nifedipine for the first week or two following a heart attack, or if you are in danger of a heart attack.

There is a remote possibility of experiencing increased angina when you start taking Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL, or when your dosage is increased. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.

You may have angina pain if you suddenly stop taking beta blockers when beginning Nifedipine therapy. Your doctor will taper you off the other drug.

If you have tight aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve that obstructs blood flow from the heart to the body) and have been taking a beta blocker, your doctor will monitor you carefully while you are taking Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL.

If you develop swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, your doctor can prescribe a diuretic (water pill) to relieve the problem.

Nifedipine XL should be used cautiously if you have any stomach or intestinal narrowing.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Nifedipine if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.

This drug is not recommended for use in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Nifedipine

If Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL with the following:

Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)

Taking Nifedipine with grapefruit juice can dramatically increase the effect of the drug. Do not combine the two.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Nifedipine and Nifedipine XL during pregnancy have not been adequately studied, although new animal research points to possible birth defects in humans. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Nifedipine or Nifedipine XL appears in breast milk and can affect a nursing infant. If Nifedipine is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual starting dose of Nifedipine and Adalat is one 10-milligram capsule, 3 times a day. The usual range is 10 to 20 milligrams 3 times a day. Some people may need 20 to 30 milligrams, 3 or 4 times a day. Usually you will not take more than 120 milligrams in a day and should take no more than 180 milligrams.

The starting dose of Nifedipine XL and Adalat CC is usually a 30- or 60-milligram tablet, taken once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose over 1 to 2 weeks if not satisfied with the way the drug is working. Doses above 120 milligrams per day are not recommended.

Although no serious side effects have been reported when Nifedipine XL is stopped, your doctor will probably have you lower the dose gradually under close supervision.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Nifedipine overdose may include:
  Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, severe drop in blood pressure, slurred speech, weakness