nifedipine sustained-release - oral, Procardia XL
GENERIC NAME: NIFEDIPINE SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL (nye-FED-i-peen)
BRAND NAME(S): Procardia XL
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Nifedipine is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.This medication is also used for certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of chest pain attacks. It should not be used to treat chest pain when it occurs. Use other medications (e.g., sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This medication is known as a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat certain blood circulation disorders (Raynaud's syndrome).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the medication. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., increase in your routine blood pressure readings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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