Procardia

The active ingredient in Procardia XL is nifedipine, which is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It mostly relieves chest discomfort by relaxing your blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure and increases oxygen delivery to your heart.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Procardia XL. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Procardia XL:

• Do not chew, crack, or crush the pill or capsule; instead, swallow it whole. It is best to take this tablet on an empty stomach.
• If you move to a new brand, strength, or form of this medication, your dosage requirements may also change. Use only the medications prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication errors.
• You may require further medical testing in addition to routine blood pressure checks.
• Even if you feel better, continue taking this medication if you have high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent.
• Inform the surgeon that you are taking Procardia in advance if you require surgery. At least 36 hours before surgery, you might need to stop taking the medication.
• Certain tablets have a shell that the body cannot melt or absorb. Your feces may contain a piece of a pill shell, but this won't lessen the medication's effectiveness.

The most common side effects of nifedipine include:

• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Heartburn.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Swelling (edema) in the legs, hands, or feet.
• Nausea.
• Constipation.
• Mood changes.
• Muscle cramps.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Procardia XL. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Low blood pressure.
• Heart attack symptoms include a speeding heartbeat, palpitations, radiating jaw discomfort, and increasing or crushing chest pain.
• Abnormal weight gain and shortness of breath, particularly when lying down, are signs of heart failure.
• Injuries to the stomach or intestines (gut) include gas, bloating, stomach pain, or trouble passing feces.
• Allergic reactions to the medication including skin rash, hives, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Procardia XL. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Procardia XL, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A heart attack.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Severe aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the heart's aortic valve.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease, such as cirrhosis.

If you have a known nifedipine hypersensitivity reaction.

It may take one to two weeks after beginning nifedipine ER (Procardia XL) before the full effects of the dosage are felt. To monitor how your blood pressure is changing during this period, your doctor may advise you to take a daily reading.

When Procardia XL is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Beta-blockers, which include atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others.
• Digoxin.
• Phenytoin.
• Cimetidine.
• Dihydropyridine.
• Erythromycin.
• Fluconazole.
• Fluoxetine.
• Quinidine (which is a medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm).
• Grapefruit juice.

Procardia XL extended-release tablets: 30 mg or 60 mg taken orally once daily is the usual starting dose. After a few weeks, your doctor will modify your dosage based on your blood pressure or chest discomfort symptoms. Although angina patients seldom require more than 90 mg per day, the highest advised dosage is 120 mg.

Procardia immediate-release capsules: 10 mg taken orally three times a day is the usual starting dosage. After a few weeks, your doctor will modify your dosage based on your blood pressure or chest discomfort symptoms. Ten to twenty milligrams three times a day is the usual maintenance dosage. A maximum of 120 milligrams per day is typically advised.

Take the medication as soon as you can after the missed dose, but if your next dose is close due, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store Procardia XL at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Procardia and Procardia XL.

There are generic versions of this medication available.

Do not stop taking the medication suddenly. Speak to your healthcare provider and they will find a way for you to wean off the medication to avoid adverse events.

Procardia XL is generally considered safe to use if you are pregnant. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Procardia XL can be found in your breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you during lactation.