Nifedipine Description

Generic Name : NIFEDIPINE

Pronunciation : (nye fed' i peen)

Trade Name(s) : Adalat oros, Adalat retard, Angiblock, Calbloc, Calbloc Retard, Calcigard, Cardipin, Cardules, Depicor, Depin, Myogard, Myogard-LA, Myogard-OD, Nicardia, Nicardia retard, Nifedine, Nifelat

Why it is prescribed: Nifedipine increases the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart, thereby controlling or relieving heart pain (angina pectoris). It also lowers blood pressure and relaxes your heart so that it does not have to pump as hard.

When it is to be taken: Nifedipine usually is taken one or three times a day. If you take the extended-release tablets, try to take your tablet at the same time you do something else every day, such as brushing your teeth in the morning or eating dinner. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Nifedipine must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

How it should be taken: Nifedipine comes in the form of capsules and extended-release or long-acting tablets. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablets; swallow them whole. The tablet will be passed in your stool when the drug has been absorbed. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your doctor can determine your response to the medication and adjust your dosage if necessary.
2.if you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, omit the missed dose and take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness, especially when you get up from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly.
2. Headache, weakness, flushing, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps, sore throat. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist.
3. Swelling of feet or lower legs; difficulty breathing; sudden weight gain; palpitations; increased duration, frequency, or severity of heart pain attacks. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors before taking this drug.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially beta blockers, digoxin, phenytoin, and high blood pressure medication.
3. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take nifedipine.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.