Procardia

Generic name: Nifedipine

What is Procardia?

Procardia and Procardia XL are used to treat angina. Procardia XL is also used to treat high blood pressure. Procardia and Procardia XL are calcium channel blockers, drugs that help the heart work better by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the arteries, allowing them to dilate. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, and helps prevent angina. Procardia XL is taken once a day and provides a steady rate of medication over a 24-hour period.

What is the most important information I should know about Procardia?

Procardia XL controls blood pressure; it does not cure high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, take Procardia XL regularly. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Procardia XL. Continue taking the medication even if you are feeling well.

Procardia and Procardia XL may cause your blood pressure to become too low, which may make you feel light-headed or faint. Your doctor should check your blood pressure when you start taking Procardia or Procardia XL and continue monitoring it while your dosage is being adjusted.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience increased angina (chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart) when you start taking Procardia or Procardia XL, when your dosage is increased, or if you suddenly stop taking beta blockers when beginning Procardia therapy.

Notify your doctor and dentist that you are taking Procardia before you have surgery or dental treatment, or if you have a medical emergency.

Who should not take Procardia?

Procardia should not be used if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or you are sensitive to it or to other calcium channel blockers. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take Procardia for the first week or two following a heart attack, or if you are in danger of a heart attack.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Procardia?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Procardia. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history; especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or intestinal narrowing, another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve that obstructs blood flow from the heart to the body), heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose of Procardia is one 10 milligram (mg) capsule, 3 times a day. The usual range is 10 to 20 mg 3 times a day. Some people may need 20 to 30 mg, 3 or 4 times a day. Usually you will not take more than 120 mg in a day and should take no more than 180 mg.

The starting dose of Procardia XL is usually a 30 or 60 mg tablet, taken once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose over 1 to 2 weeks if not satisfied with the way the drug is working. Doses above 120 mg per day are not recommended.

Although no serious side effects have been reported when Procardia or Procardia XL is stopped, your doctor will probably have you lower the dose gradually under close supervision.

Children: The safety of Procardia in children has not been established. This drug is not recommended for use in children.

How should I take Procardia?

Take Procardia and Procardia XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Take Procardia XL once a day, the same time each day, with or without food.

Procardia XL tablets are designed to release the medication into your bloodstream slowly. If something that looks like a tablet appears in your stool, this is normal and means that the medication has been released, and the shell that contained the medication has been eliminated from your body.

Procardia and Procardia XL tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew. Do not substitute another brand of nifedipine for Procardia or Procardia XL unless your doctor directs.

What should I avoid while taking Procardia?

Do not combine Procardia with grapefruit juice, which can dramatically increase the effect of the drug.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Procardia?

If Procardia is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Procardia with the following:

Cimetidine

Digoxin

Quinidine

What are the possible side effects of Procardia?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: Constipation, cough, dizziness, fatigue, flushing, giddiness, headache, heartburn, heat sensation, light-headedness, mood changes, muscle cramps, nasal congestion, nausea, sore throat, swelling of arms, legs, hands, and feet, tremors, wheezing

Can I receive Procardia if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Procardia during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Procardia?

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Procardia?

Store Procardia at room temperature. Protect from moisture, light, humidity, and excessive heat.