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Nifedipine Sustained Action Oral
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
NIFEDIPINE SUSTAINED ACTION – ORAL
(nye-FED-eh-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Adalat CC
USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nifedipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for chest pain (angina).
HOW TO USE: Best if taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food. Be consistent; either always with food or without. Tablets should be swallowed whole, preferably with a full glass of water. Do not chew, divide or crush before taking. Do not stop taking suddenly.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and allow your body to adjust. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, sweating, sleep disturbances or ankle/foot swelling. Notify your doctor promptly if these effects persist or worsen. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, irregular pulse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially facial), dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, heart failure, allergies (especially drug allergies. If you are scheduled to have surgery (including dental surgery) tell the doctor you use nifedipine. Limit using alcohol while taking this medication. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially of: beta-blockers, digoxin, quinidine, cimetidine, intravenous (IV) calcium, fentanyl, barbiturates, phenytoin, magnesium sulfate injection, high blood pressure drugs, St John’s wort. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this product with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).