What is Nifedipine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Nifedipine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Procardia XL, Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Procardia, Procardia XL, Procardia XL

Generic Names:

  • Nifedipine

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antimigraine, Antihypertensive, Antianginal, Cardiovascular Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid Filled Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Nifedipine used for?

Nifedipine is available as an oral capsule and is used to treat chest pains known as angina. It also lowers high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and it increases supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, thereby controlling chest pains.

What form(s) does Nifedipine come in

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Nifedipine doses?

  • Capsule 10MG

  • Capsule 20MG

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 5GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

Common Nifedipine prescriptions

  • NIFEdipine
    10mg capsule

  • NIFEdipine
    20mg capsule

How to take Nifedipine

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

Nifedipine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to nifedipine.

Nifedipine warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Heart failureWorsening chest pain or increased risk of heart attackStomach or bowel blockage or ulcers

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have stomach problems, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or recently had a heart attack.

Nifedipine interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how nifedipine works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: Cimetidine, clarithromycin, digoxin, erythromycin, fentanyl, fluconazole, fluoxetine, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenytoin, quinidine, ranitidine, saquinavirBeta-blockersBlood thinner (such as warfarin)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Nifedipine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Stomach pain or bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight loss

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Muscle cramps or tremors

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Headache