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Generic Name: nifedipine (nye FEH dih peen)
Brand Names: Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia
XL
What is Adalat CC (nifedipine)?
Nifedipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
Nifedipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and
arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and
reduces its workload.
Nifedipine is used to lower hypertension (high blood pressure)
and to treat angina (chest pain).
Nifedipine may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know
about Adalat CC (nifedipine)?
Do not stop taking nifedipine without first talking to your
doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking
the medication, your condition could become worse. Do not
crush, chew, or break any form of nifedipine. Swallow the
pills whole. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice
during treatment with nifedipine. Nifedipine can interact
with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction
may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of
grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider
before taking Adalat CC (nifedipine)?
Before taking nifedipine, tell your doctor if you
have
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kidney disease; |
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liver disease; |
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another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as
sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low
blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. |
You may not be able to take nifedipine, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Nifedipine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means
that it is not known whether nifedipine will be harmful to
an unborn baby. Do not take nifedipine without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment. Nifedipine passes into breast milk. Do not
take nifedipine without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years of age,
you may be more likely to experience side effects from nifedipine.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take Adalat CC (nifedipine)?
Take nifedipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Adalat CC should
be taken on an empty stomach. Do not crush, chew, or break
any form of nifedipine. Swallow the pills whole. Do not consume
grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nifedipine.
Nifedipine can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice,
and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should
discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your
doctor.
Occasionally, the Procardia XL tablet shell may be seen in
the stool. This is not harmful. The medicine has been absorbed
by the body and the tablet shell is designed to be eliminated
in the stool.
Do not stop taking nifedipine without first talking to your
doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking
the medication, your condition could become worse. Store nifedipine
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if
it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take
a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a nifedipine overdose include dizziness, weakness,
chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast
or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
What should I avoid while taking Adalat CC (nifedipine)?
Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment
with nifedipine. Nifedipine can interact with grapefruit and
grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects.
You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice
with your doctor.
Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or
exercise.
Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position,
especially if you wake up during the night. You may become
dizzy when changing positions. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol
may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or
dizziness while taking nifedipine.
Adalat CC (nifedipine) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking nifedipine and contact your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or
face; or hives); |
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unusually fast or slow heartbeats; |
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severe dizziness or fainting; |
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psychosis; |
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yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); or |
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swelling of the legs or ankles. |
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Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take nifedipine and talk to your doctor
if you experience: |
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headache, fatigue, or tiredness; |
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flushing; |
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insomnia; |
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vivid or abnormal dreams; |
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nausea or constipation; or |
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increased urination. |
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Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect Adalat CC (nifedipine)?
Before taking nifedipine, tell your doctor if you are taking
any of the following drugs:
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another heart medication to treat the same
or another condition; |
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cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); |
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erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, others); |
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itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); |
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carbamazepine (Tegretol); |
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phenytoin (Dilantin); or |
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rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin). |
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You may
not be able to take nifedipine, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact
with nifedipine or affect your condition. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
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Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about nifedipine
written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Nifedipine is available with a prescription generically and
under the brand names Adalat, Adalat CC, Procardia, and Procardia
XL. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication,
especially if it is new to you.
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Adalat 10 mg--orange, soft-gelatin capsules |
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Adalat 20 m --orange/light brown, soft-gelatin capsules |
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Adalat CC 30 mg--round, pink, film-coated tablets |
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Adalat CC 60 mg--round, salmon-colored, film-coated
tablets |
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Adalat CC 90 mg--round, dark-red, film-coated tablets |
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Procardia 10 mg--orange, soft-gelatin capsules |
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Procardia 20 mg--orange/light-brown, soft-gelatin capsules |
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Procardia XL 30 mg--round, rose-pink, biconvex, film-coated
tablets |
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Procardia XL 60 mg--round, rose-pink, biconvex, film-coated
tablets |
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Procardia XL 90 mg--round, rose-pink, biconvex, film-coated
tablets |
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Remember,
keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children. Never share your medicines with others and
only use this medication for the condition prescribed.
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