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Common brand names: Adalat, Procardia
Why is nifedipine prescribed?
Nifedipine increases the supply of blood and oxygen to your
heart, thereby controlling or relieving chest pain (angina pectoris). It also
lowers blood pressure and relaxes your heart so that it does not have to pump as
hard. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
When should nifedipine be used?
Nifedipine usually is taken one or three times a day. If you take the
controlled-release (long-acting) tablets, try to take your tablet at the same
time you do something else every day, such as brushing your teeth in the
morning. Follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully, and ask
your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.
Nifedipine must be taken regularly to be effective. NEVER stop taking it
without consulting your doctor.
How should it be used?
Nifedipine comes in capsules and controlled-release (long-acting) tablets.
The prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Take nifedipine
on an empty stomach, at least one hour before and two hours after eating. Do not
chew, divide, or crush the tablets; swallow them whole. The empty tablet will be
passed in your stool when the drug has been absorbed.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you may have about refilling your
prescription. Take exactly as directed, even if you feel well. Stopping this
medication suddenly may bring on your previous problems.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your
doctor can determine your response to the medication and adjust your dosage if
necessary.
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet and may instruct you
to follow a daily exercise program. Follow these instructions carefully.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Be sure that you always have enough of this medication on hand. Check your
supply before vacations, holidays and other occasions when you may be unable to
obtain it.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses
for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose
near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, omit the missed dose and
take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from nifedipine are not common, these can occur:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness, especially when you get up from
a sitting or lying position
Try getting up more slowly. If this effect persists or is severe, contact
your doctor.
- Headache, weakness, flushing (feeling of warmth), nausea, heartburn,
muscle cramps, sore throat
Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist.
- Swelling of feet or lower legs; difficulty breathing; sudden weight gain;
palpitations; increased duration, frequency, or severity of heart pain
attacks
Contact your doctor immediately.
- Swelling of gum tissue around teeth, gum tenderness and bleeding
Brush your teeth regularly and schedule a dental cleaning every six
months.
- If you experience any other side effects that you think could be caused by
this medication and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.
What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?
Before taking nifedipine, tell your doctor:
- If you are pregnant, are attempting to become pregnant, or are
breastfeeding
- What vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, nonprescription
(over-the-counter) and other prescription medications you are taking,
especially beta blockers (atenolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol,
metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, and timolol), digoxin, phenytoin
and high blood pressure medication (Also inform your pharmacist.)
- Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you
take nifedipine.
- Never share your medication with anyone.
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
- Keep nifedipine in its original container, with the lid tightly closed.
- Keep it and other medications out of the reach of children.
- Store this drug at room temperature and protect it from moisture. Do not
store it in the bathroom.
- Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription labels list
an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication label or if you
are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.
This handout summarizes information to help you understand
and safely take your medication. Other information--not included in this
handout--may be important for you to know because of your unique health status.
Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information on the medications
prescribed for you and your unique health care needs.
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