Reviews (203)Overview: Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure and angina, which is a type of chest pain. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can move through them more easily. Common side effects include headache, tiredness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, a hot or warm feeling in the face, and swelling of the legs and ankles. Call your health care provider right away if you have chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, confusion, swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs, or stomach pain that does not go away. Nifedipine is available as a capsule or tablet.
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 health care 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)?
Brands and other names
- Procardia
- Procardia XL
Dosage forms and strengths
- 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 10 mg and 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 and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 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 health care 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 health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 health care 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 health care 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 health care 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 health care 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 taking 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 or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- 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 health care 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 nifedipine affects you.
What should I tell my health care provider before using nifedipine?
Tell your health care 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 know if nifedipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care 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 a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take nifedipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Nifedipine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know 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.Â
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 health care 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 rhythmÂ
- 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 depressionÂ
- 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 health care 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 health care 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.
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Procardia XL
GENERIC: NIFEdipine
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