Why it is Prescribed
Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, nifedipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How it Works
Nifedipine comes as a capsule and an extended-release tablet (long-acting) to take by mouth. It is usually ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina). If taken regularly, nifedipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How it Works
Nifedipine comes as a capsule and an extended-release tablet (long-acting) to take by mouth. It is usually taken one or three times a day. The extended-release tablet should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, and should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablet. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nifedipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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 ...
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Other Uses
Nifedipine is also used sometimes to treat migraine headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Precautions
Before taking nifedipine,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nifedipine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet); fentanyl (Duragesic); heart and blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), warfarin (Coumadin), and quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex); phenytoin (Dilantin); ranitidine (Zantac); and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nifedipine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking ...
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Possible Side Effects
Nifedipine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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Special Dietary Concerns
Nifedipine capsules may be taken with or without food, but the nifedipine extended-release tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking nifedipine.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
