Uses
What is nifedipine used for?
Nifedipine is commonly used for the following conditions.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Angina, which is a type of chest pain
Nifedipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does nifedipine work (mechanism of action)?
Nifedipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily. These effects can help reduce chest pain, lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is nifedipine supplied (dosage forms)?
Nifedipine is available as Procardia, Procardia XL, and generic nifedipine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 30 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 60 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 90 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 10 mg oral capsules
- 20 mg oral capsules
How should I store nifedipine?
Extended-Release Tablets. Nifedipine extended-release tablets should be stored at temperatures below 88 F (30 C). Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from moisture.
Capsules. Nifedipine capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of nifedipine?
The most common side effects of nifedipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Hot or warm feeling in the face (flushing)
- Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
There may be other side effects of nifedipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of nifedipine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of nifedipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Nifedipine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Chest Pain. Nifedipine can cause chest pain, which can be a symptom of a heart attack. The risk of chest pain is increased in people with existing heart disease. Do not take nifedipine if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
Heart Failure. Nifedipine may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Stomach Obstruction or Ulcers. In rare cases, stomach obstruction or ulcers have occurred in people taking nifedipine extended-release tablets. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Stomach pain that does not go away
- Nausea or vomiting
- Inability to pass gas
- Constipation that lasts for several days
Severe Allergic Reactions. Nifedipine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nifedipine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use nifedipine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use/take nifedipine.
- Procardia
- Procardia XL
- Nifedipine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nifedipine products they stock.
What should I know about nifedipine before using it?
Do not take nifedipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not chew, cut, or crush nifedipine extended-release tablets.
Do not share nifedipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep nifedipine out of the reach of children.
Nifedipine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how nicardipine affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using nifedipine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nifedipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
- Stomach problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nifedipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nifedipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Nifedipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nifedipine while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does nifedipine interact with foods or drinks?
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can lead to increased levels of nifedipine in the body, which may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking nifedipine.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nifedipine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking nifedipine.
Does nifedipine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking nifedipine.
- A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
- Quinidine, which is a medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm
- Fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- Clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Nefazodone or fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
- Saquinavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir, medicines for HIV or AIDS
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of nifedipine, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nifedipine. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much nifedipine?
If you or someone else has used too much nifedipine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of nifedipine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Nifedipine?
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