Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

NIFEDIPINE SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL

(nye-FED-ih-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Procardia XL

Uses

This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nifedipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina).

How To Use

Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide or crush. This medication must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without talking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and allow your body to adjust. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, sweating, sleep disturbances, or ankle/foot swelling. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Inactive parts of the drug may be passed in your stool as a harmless soft mass that may look like the original tablet. This is normal for this drug. Notify you doctor promptly for: chest pain, irregular pulse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially facial), dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take this drug. Tell your doctor your medical history, including: liver disease, heart disease, narrowing of the intestines (stricture), any allergies. Limit using alcohol while taking this medication. Nifedipine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Nifedipine is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports to date of harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially: beta-blockers, digoxin, quinidine, cimetidine, intravenous (IV) calcium, fentanyl, barbiturates, phenytoin, magnesium sulfate injection, high blood pressure drugs, St John's wort. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).