Precautions
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)
What are the risks of taking nifedipine?
The more common side effects that can occur with nifedipine include:
- headache
- nausea
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- flushing (reddening of the skin)
- heartburn
- muscle cramps
- constipation
- cough
- decreased sexual ability or desire
- edema (swelling in the legs or feet)
What are side effects of drug nifedipine?
What are the side effects of nifedipine ointment? These side effects include: Perianal itching or soreness. Headache. Light-headedness….Rare side effects, that you should report right away to your prescriber or pharmacist, include:
What are the side effects of nifedipine?
What Conditions does NIFEDIPINE ER Treat?
- high blood pressure
- prevention of anginal chest pain associated with coronary artery disease
- prevention of anginal pain associated with vasospastic angina
- Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition where blood vessels constrict too much with coldness or stress
- pre-existing hypertension during pregnancy
- early labor
What conditions does nifedipine treat?
Why is nifedipine no longer used?
Nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, was once one of the most widely used medications for hypertension, but safety and tolerability concerns along with the introduction of new classes of antihypertensive medications and an increasing pool of data showing mortality benefit of other classes caused ...
When is the best time to take nifedipine?
You can take nifedipine at any time of day, but try to make sure it's around the same time (or times) every day. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush, chew or open up the capsules unless your doctor or pharmacist has said you can.
What are the side effects of taking nifedipine?
Side EffectsBloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet.difficult or labored breathing.dizziness or lightheadedness.fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse.feeling of warmth.headache.muscle cramps.shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet.More items...•
When should you not take nifedipine?
For people with severe heart disease: There have been rare reports of worsening chest pain and heart attack in people who have severe heart disease. Nifedipine capsules (Procardia) should not be taken within the first week or two after a heart attack.
What should you avoid when taking nifedipine?
Grapefruits and grapefruit juice may increase the effects of nifedipine by increasing the amount of this medicine in your body. You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you taking this medicine.
How long does it take for nifedipine to kick in?
It starts to work on the day you start taking it, but it may take a couple of weeks to fully take effect. If you have high blood pressure, you may not have any symptoms, so nifedipine may not make you feel any different. But still continue to take it because it is still working.
Does nifedipine make you gain weight?
Weight gain Due to the relaxation effect nifedipine has on the smooth muscle in peripheral blood vessels, nifedipine is also associated with edema (discussed below). The additional fluid retention can cause weight gain, however, this usually resolves with stopping the medication or making dose adjustments.
Does nifedipine affect sleep?
sleep problems (insomnia), rash or itching, urinating more than usual, or. flushing (warmth/redness/tingly feeling under your skin).
Does nifedipine make you pee a lot?
Does Nifedipine make you pee? One of the possible side effects of Nifedipine is that you may need to urinate more than usual. Experts suggest that it does not affect the pressure in the bladder or urethra. If you have any unusual symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day routine, let your doctor know immediately.
Can you drink coffee while taking nifedipine?
Caffeine pretreatment does not alter the cardiovascular responses to nifedipine but the pressor effect of caffeine is completely reversed by subsequent nifedipine administration.
How much does nifedipine lower BP?
Continuous hemodynamic monitoring provided further evidence'2 that nifedipine exerts a rapid, profound and persistent antihypertensive action. Mean arterial pressure, in fact, was lowered by 21% of control at 30 minutes (average fall 28 mm Hg) and by 16% at 120 minutes after the drug.
Which is the best medicine for high blood pressure?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels.Common examples are enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and ramipril.The most common side effect is a persistent dry cough. ... Common examples are candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan and olmesartan.More items...
Does nifedipine affect sleep?
sleep problems (insomnia), rash or itching, urinating more than usual, or. flushing (warmth/redness/tingly feeling under your skin).
How many hours does nifedipine last?
Nifedipine administered once-daily provides 24-hour control of raised blood pressure. Nifedipine causes reduction in blood pressure such that the percentage lowering is proportional to its initial level.
Does nifedipine make you pee a lot?
Does Nifedipine make you pee? One of the possible side effects of Nifedipine is that you may need to urinate more than usual. Experts suggest that it does not affect the pressure in the bladder or urethra. If you have any unusual symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day routine, let your doctor know immediately.
Can I drink coffee after taking nifedipine?
The reflex increase in heart rate after nifedipine was not affected by prior caffeine or placebo administration. Caffeine pretreatment does not alter the cardiovascular responses to nifedipine but the pressor effect of caffeine is completely reversed by subsequent nifedipine administration.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Nifedipine?
You should not use nifedipine if you have severe coronary artery disease, or if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 weeks.Before taking n...
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to nifedipine, if you have severe coronary artery disease, or if you have had a heart attack w...
How Should I Take Nifedipine?
Take nifedipine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your do...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
Nifedipine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Nifedipine for Hypertension:Initial dose:Extended release tablets: 30 to 60 mg orally once a dayDosage can be increased gradual...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Nifedipine?
Other drugs may interact with nifedipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your h...
Important warnings
Congestive heart failure warning: In rare cases, upon starting to take nifedipine, some patients without a history of heart failure have developed heart failure.
How it works
Nifedipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Antibiotics
Taking certain antibiotics with nifedipine can cause higher levels of nifedipine in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects from nifedipine. These drugs include:
Antifungal drugs
Taking certain antifungal drugs with nifedipine can cause higher levels of nifedipine in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects from nifedipine. These drugs include:
Antiviral drugs
Taking certain antiviral drugs with nifedipine can cause higher levels of nifedipine in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects from nifedipine. These drugs include:
Antiseizure drugs
Taking certain antiseizure drugs with nifedipine can cause lower levels of nifedipine in your body. This can make it less effective. These drugs include:
2. Upsides
Used to treat certain types of vasospastic angina and other vasospastic conditions.
3. Downsides
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:
4. Bottom Line
Nifedipine is used in the treatment of vasospastic angina and occasionally for chronic unstable angina as an add-on to other treatments. Nifedipine should not be used to rapidly drop blood pressure as this may be fatal and it should not be taken with grapefruit juice or grapefruit products.
5. Tips
May be taken with or without food. Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
6. Response and effectiveness
Nifedipine is quickly absorbed when taken orally and peak blood levels occur in approximately 30 minutes. It is relatively short-acting and needs to be taken three times a day.
7. Interactions
Medicines that interact with nifedipine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with nifedipine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does.
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use nifedipine only for the indication prescribed.
How to use Nifedipine
Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsule.
Are you currently using Nifedipine?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Available coupons
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
How to use Nifedipine ER Tablet, Extended Release Osmotic Push (Tablet, Push)
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.
Are you currently using Nifedipine ER Tablet, Extended Release Osmotic Push (Tablet, Push)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Available coupons
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
How to take it
Nifedipine is very sensitive to light, so make sure you take your tablet or capsule as soon as you take it out of the packet.
How long to take it for
Usually, treatment with nifedipine is long term, even for the rest of your life.
Changing your dose
If the starting dose is not working well enough (your blood pressure does not come down enough, or you are still getting symptoms), you may need to increase your dose. If you're bothered by side effects, you may need to stay on a lower dose.
If you take too much
The amount of nifedipine that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Stopping taking nifedipine
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking nifedipine. Stopping may cause your blood pressure to go up, and this may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
In Summary
Commonly reported side effects of nifedipine include: dizziness, peripheral edema, lower extremity edema, flushing, and flushing sensation. Other side effects include: acute myocardial infarction, muscle cramps, tremor, cough, dyspnea, hypotension, and wheezing. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
For the Consumer
Along with its needed effects, nifedipine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
For Healthcare Professionals
The most commonly reported side effects included dizziness, giddiness, and lightheadedness. [ Ref]
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Mechanism of action
This medication is used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina).
May Treat: Hypertension · Anginal pain from vasospastic angina · Anginal pain in coronary artery disease
Brand Names: Procardia · Adalat CC · Procardia XL · Nifediac CC · Nifedical XL and more
Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blockers - Dihydropyridines
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Hypertension · Anginal pain from vasospastic angina · Anginal pain in coronary artery disease
Brand Names: Procardia · Adalat CC · Procardia XL · Nifediac CC · Nifedical XL and more
Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blockers - Dihydropyridines
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Does not adversely affect lactation
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- Avoid taking grapefruit juice/grapefruit with med
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Tell doctor your complete medical history
- Avoid taking grapefruit juice/grapefruit with med
- May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
- Tell doctor your complete medical history
- Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor
- Be careful not to stand up too quickly
- For capsule products : Swallow whole. Do not break/chew/crush/dissolve. Important to try not to skip doses. Do not use to stop angina attack. Use regularly. Caution.
- For tablet, extended release products : Do not chew or crush. OK to split tablet if scored. Take on an empty stomach. Take doses regularly, even when feeling well. It is important to check blood pressure regularly.
- For tablet, extended release 24 hr products : Empty tablet shell may appear in stool.
Administration
Treatment
Results
Prevention
- Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). Nifedipine is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Symptoms
- Nifedipine comes as a capsule and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The capsule is usually taken three or four times a day. The extended-release tablet should be taken once daily on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. To help you remember to take nifedipine, take it at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions …
Preparation
- Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of nifedipine and gradually increase your dose, generally once every 7 to 14 days.
How It Works
- If taken regularly, nifedipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication to take when you have chest pain. Nifedipine controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. Continue to take nifedipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking nifedipine without talking to your doctor. Your …
Upsides
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light, and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) …
Downsides
- If you are taking certain extended-release tablets (Afeditab CR, Procardia XL), you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool. This is just the empty tablet shell, and this does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication.
Bottom Line
- It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Tips
- Nifedipine may be used to treat angina.
- Nifedipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions across cardiac (heart) and smooth muscle causing relaxation of these muscles and dilation (widening). The exact way nifedipine works in ang...
- Nifedipine belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers (sometimes calle…
- Nifedipine may be used to treat angina.
- Nifedipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions across cardiac (heart) and smooth muscle causing relaxation of these muscles and dilation (widening). The exact way nifedipine works in ang...
- Nifedipine belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers (sometimes called calcium channel antagonists).
Response and Effectiveness
- Used to treat certain types of vasospastic angina and other vasospastic conditions.
- Also used in the treatment of chronic stable angina in patients intolerant of, or not adequately controlled by, beta-blockers or nitrates.
- Has a quick onset of effect.
- Sublingual nitroglycerin may be taken for acute manifestations of angina, particularly during …
- Used to treat certain types of vasospastic angina and other vasospastic conditions.
- Also used in the treatment of chronic stable angina in patients intolerant of, or not adequately controlled by, beta-blockers or nitrates.
- Has a quick onset of effect.
- Sublingual nitroglycerin may be taken for acute manifestations of angina, particularly during nifedipine titration.
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Dizziness, light-headedness, flushing, headache, weakness, nausea, heartburn, and muscle cramps or tremor. Nervousness, palpitations, cough, and nasal congestion may also be reported. 2. Excessive and poorly tolerate…
Further Information
- Nifedipine is used in the treatment of vasospastic angina and occasionally for chronic unstable angina as an add-on to other treatments. Nifedipine should not be used to rapidly drop blood pressure...