Drugs & Vitamins

Nifedipine Active Ingredients: Nifedipine   Representative Names: Adalat, Procardia Available Product Images: What are nifedipine capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with nifedipine? What side effects may I notice from taking nifedipine? What should I watch for while taking nifedipine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are nifedipine capsules? (Back to top) NIFEDIPINE (Adalat®, Procardia®) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Nifedipine reduces attacks of chest pain (angina). It is not a cure. Generic nifedipine capsules are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •difficulty swallowing •heart problems, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat •liver disease •previous heart attack •over 65 years old •an unusual or allergic reaction to nifedipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take nifedipine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Avoid taking nifedipine with grapefruit juice or grapefruit. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with nifedipine? (Back to top) Do not take Nifedipine with any of the following: •grapefruit juice Nifedipine may also interact with the following medications: •alcohol •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •barbiturates such as phenobarbital •bosentan •calcium salts (intravenous) •cimetidine •cyclosporine •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •herbal or dietary supplements such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice •imatinib, STI-571 •local anesthetics or general anesthetics •magnesium salts (intravenous) •medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for HIV infection or AIDS •medicines for prostate problems •medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone) •metformin •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™) •rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin •some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin) •some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine, verapamil) •some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone) •tacrolimus •vincristine •warfarin •water pills (diuretics) •yohimbine •zafirlukast •zileuton Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking nifedipine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •blood in the urine •fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain •difficulty breathing •dizziness •fainting spells, lightheadedness •reduced amount of urine passed •redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth •skin rash •swelling of the legs and ankles Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •facial flushing •headache •weakness or tiredness What should I watch for while taking nifedipine? (Back to top) Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking nifedipine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not suddenly stop taking nifedipine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how nifedipine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking nifedipine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:09/13/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.