Nifedipine

Brand Name: Adalat XL Apo-Nifed Apo-Nifed PA Nu-Nifed Nu-Nifedipine-PA

Prescription: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Nifedipine is primarily used to prevent the symptoms of stable angina (chest pain) and to decrease blood pressure. As well nifedipine is often used to treat the symptoms of Raynaud's disease and other similar conditions as it can improve blood flow to the limbs hands and feet.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to nifedipine. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • a recent heart attack
  • congestive heart failure
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • swelling (edema) in the ankles or feet
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • a condition called aortic stenosis

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • low blood pressure
  • headache
  • swelling in the feet or ankles
  • feeling tired
  • flushing

These side effects are usually related to dose and may go away with time.

Other less common side effects include:

  • increase in angina symptoms
  • rash
  • a racing heart or fast heartbeat (palpitations)
  • constipation
  • swelling of the gums
  • breast pain or swollen breasts (gynecomastia) in men (rare case reports) - tell your doctor if this develops
  • problems with kidney - rare; if this occurs it is usually in people with previous kidney problems

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • other medications to treat high blood pressure - may increase your chances for experiencing low blood pressure
  • if you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure - these include some cough and cold medicines; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
  • ketoconazole itraconazole fluconazole erythromycin clarithromycin amiodarone HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir) - may increase the amount of nifedipine in your blood
  • cimetidine ranitidine - may see an increase in the amount of nifedipine in the blood
  • digoxin - may see an increase in the amount of digoxin in the blood
  • quinidine - may see an increase in quinidine or nifedipine in the blood
  • rifampin phenytoin carbamazepine phenobarbital - may see a decrease in the amount of nifedipine in the blood

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions and Follow-up

  • If you are taking this drug for high blood pressure your blood pressure should be checked regularly to see how well nifedipine is working. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse and ask what "number" your heart rate should be. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be call your doctor.
  • This drug (in the long-acting forms) will not work to decrease angina attacks at the time that they happen. You should also have a medication called nitroglycerin to use when you have episodes of chest pain.
  • As you see an improvement in your chest pain because of taking nifedipine you may be tempted to exercise vigorously - check with your doctor first to determine whether you can safely exercise and/or how intensely you should be exercising.
  • If you are undergoing medical or dental surgery tell your doctor or dentist you are taking nifedipine as some anesthetics may cause your blood pressure to drop.

Children: Generally not prescribed. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnancy: Generally not prescribed. Safer drugs are available. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk but is generally considered to be safe. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally. May cause dizziness.

Alcohol: You should drink in moderation as too much alcohol may cause a decrease in blood pressure and dizziness.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause weakness slow pulse low blood pressure congestive heart failure convulsions and possible coma. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping abruptly may cause chest pain heart attack irregular heartbeat or extremely high blood pressure. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. Do not take it if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your dose. Wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take more than one dose at a time

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit as it may decrease the breakdown of nifedipine in the body and cause higher levels in the blood and an increase chance for side effects. No other precautions unless prescribed by your doctor.