nifedipine Health Article

Generic name(s):

nifedipine

Brand name(s):

Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia XL

What is the most important information I should know about nifedipine?

Do not stop taking nifedipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse. Do not crush, chew, or break any form of nifedipine. Swallow the pills whole. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nifedipine. Nifedipine can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor.

What is nifedipine?

Nifedipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nifedipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Nifedipine is used to lower hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain).

Nifedipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nifedipine?

Before taking nifedipine, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

You may not be able to take nifedipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Nifedipine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether nifedipine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take nifedipine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Nifedipine passes into breast milk. Do not take nifedipine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from nifedipine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take nifedipine?

Take nifedipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Adalat CC should be taken on an empty stomach. Do not crush, chew, or break any form of nifedipine. Swallow the pills whole. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nifedipine. Nifedipine can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor.

Occasionally, the Procardia XL tablet shell may be seen in the stool. This is not harmful. The medicine has been absorbed by the body and the tablet shell is designed to be eliminated in the stool.

Do not stop taking nifedipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse. Store nifedipine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a nifedipine overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.