- ADALAT (nifepidine)
Description
Treats high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). Belongs to a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers.
Brand Name(s)
Adalat® Cc
Procardia®
Adalat®
Procardia Xl®
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nifedipine or to
related medicine, such as verapamil (Calan®), diltiazem (Cardizem®), or nicardipine
(Cardene®).
How to use and store this medicine
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Keep all medicine away from
children.
Tablets
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it.
- You may take your tablets with food or milk to avoid an
upset stomach.
- Keep your tablets at room temperature, away from heat or
moisture.
Extended-Release Tablets
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew it.
- You may take your tablets with food or milk to avoid an
upset stomach.
- While taking Procardia XL®, you may see part of the tablet
in your bowel movement. This is the remainder of the tablet after your body has absorbed
the medicine. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
- Keep your tablets at room temperature, away from heat or
moisture.
Capsule
- Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, open, or chew it.
- You may take your capsules with food or milk to avoid an
upset stomach.
- Keep your capsules at room temperature, away from heat or
moisture.
If you miss a dose:
- Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have
missed your dose.
- If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to
take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking digoxin
(Lanoxin®), beta blockers (Tenormin®, Inderal®, Lopressor®), or cimetidine
(Tagamet®).
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking
this medicine.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor
before taking this medicine.
- Check with your doctor before taking nifedipine if you have
liver or kidney disease, low blood pressure, or heart problems (such as heart failure or a
heart attack) or if you have had a stroke.
- Do not stop taking nifedipine unless your doctor tells you
to. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before stopping completely.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
- Stiff or swollen joints
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
talk with your doctor.
- Dizziness, weakness
- Flushed or hot feeling, headache
- Nausea or heartburn
