Nifedipine (By Mouth)

Nifedipine (nye-FED-i-peen)

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

Brand Name(s):

Adalat CC, Procardia XL, Procardia, Nifedical XL, Afeditab CR, Nifediac CC
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 verapamil, Calan®, Cardizem®, Lotrel®, Plendil®), 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).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take 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 take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take 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 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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 out of the reach of 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 breastfeeding, or if you have heart failure, stomach problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or coronary artery disease.
• 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 taking nifedipine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Skin rash
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

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

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing or feeling warm
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Runny or stuffy nose

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.