PROCARDIA XL

PROCARDIA XL is prescribed for the management of hypertension with the goal of lowering blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure helps mitigate the risk of both fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions.

You might be unable to use Procardia if your heart is incapable of effectively pumping blood or if you are concurrently taking rifampin.

Nifedipine, categorized as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, was formerly one of the most extensively prescribed medications for hypertension. However, concerns related to safety and tolerability, coupled with the introduction of novel classes of antihypertensive drugs and accumulating data highlighting the mortality benefits of alternative drug classes, led to changes in its utilization.

Failing to adhere to the prescribed regimen for this medication carries serious risks. Abruptly discontinuing the drug or neglecting to take it as directed may result in adverse consequences. If this drug is used to manage high blood pressure, discontinuation can lead to elevated blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of health issues such as heart attacks or strokes.

Potential common side effects associated with Procardia XL may include flushing (a sensation of warmth, redness, or tingling), headaches, dizziness, nausea, heartburn, or a sensation of weakness or tiredness.

Nifedipine is used either in isolation or in combination with other medications to address high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure serves to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney complications. Additionally, this medication is utilized to manage specific forms of chest pain known as angina.

Nifedipine Extended Release (Procardia XL) has the potential to reduce your blood pressure, even if it is being used for the management of chest pain. For most individuals, the decrease in blood pressure is generally well-tolerated. However, if it drops excessively, it may lead to dizziness and other side effects.

Nifedipine exhibits a rapid onset of action, taking effect within 10-15 minutes when administered buccally and 30-45 minutes when taken orally. Its peak effect occurs around 30 minutes when administered buccally and 60 minutes when taken orally. Regardless of the route of administration, the effects typically last for four to six hours, resulting in an average reduction in mean arterial pressure of 21.6% (from 248/134 mm Hg to 165/87 mm Hg).

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when transitioning from a lying or sitting position to a standing one. These symptoms are more likely to manifest when initiating treatment with this medicine or when the dose is increased. Additionally, some patients may experience fluid retention (edema) as a side effect of this medication.

Nifedipine (Procardia) is a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication categorized as a calcium channel blocker (CCB). Unlike some medications in the CCB class, such as verapamil and diltiazem, which can reduce heart rate, nifedipine is less likely to slow down the heart rate.

Avoid using this medicine if you are also taking specific other medications, including carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), or St. John’s Wort. Concurrent use of these medications can result in severe complications.

The initial recommended dose for adults is usually 30 or 60 milligrams (mg) taken once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as necessary, but typically it should not exceed 90 mg taken once a day. The usage and dosage for children should be determined by your doctor.

If you experience dizziness that persists for more than a few days, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This sensation of dizziness often occurs when initiating nifedipine therapy. Reducing the consumption of coffee, tea, and alcohol may help alleviate this symptom. Additionally, maintaining a cool room environment and using a fan can provide relief if the flushing sensation is accompanied by heat.

In individuals, PROCARDIA results in a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance and a mild decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, typically within the range of 5-10 mm Hg systolic. Additionally, there is usually a slight increase in heart rate as a reflex response to vasodilation.

Rarely, some patients may experience an increase in the frequency or severity of angina or acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) when commencing nifedipine therapy. This risk is more pronounced in individuals with severe obstructive coronary artery disease.

It is essential to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using this medicine, as grapefruit can intensify the effects of nifedipine by increasing its concentration in the body, potentially leading to side effects such as headaches, flushing, and dizziness.

Nifedipine has a rapid onset of action, taking effect within 10-15 minutes when administered buccally and 30-45 minutes when taken orally. Its peak effect occurs around 30 minutes when administered buccally and 60 minutes when taken orally. Regardless of the route of administration, the effects typically last for four to six hours, resulting in an average reduction in mean arterial pressure of 21.6% (from 248/134 mm Hg to 165/87 mm Hg).

Nifedipine (Procardia) is a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication categorized as a calcium channel blocker (CCB). Unlike some medications in the CCB class, such as verapamil and diltiazem, which can reduce heart rate, nifedipine is less likely than others to slow down the heart rate.

Nifedipine is highly sensitive to light, so it is important to take the tablet or capsule as soon as it is removed from the packaging. While you can take nifedipine at any time of the day, it is advisable to establish a consistent daily schedule for administration. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a drink of water.

If you experience unlikely but severe side effects while using Procardia XL, promptly inform your healthcare provider. Such serious side effects may encompass swelling of the ankles and feet, shortness of breath, unusual weakness, or persistent tiredness.

Common side effects associated with nifedipine include dizziness, flushing, weakness, swelling of the ankles and feet, constipation, and headaches. Should any of these effects persist or worsen, it is recommended to notify your doctor or pharmacist. To mitigate dizziness and lightheadedness, it is advisable to rise slowly when transitioning from a seated or lying position.

The consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice can potentially enhance the effects of nifedipine by increasing the concentration of this medication in your body. Therefore, it is advisable to abstain from eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are on this medication.

Serious side effects arising from the use of nifedipine are infrequent, occurring in fewer than 1 in 1,000 individuals. If you observe a yellowing of the whites of your eyes or a yellowing of your skin, although this may be less apparent on individuals with brown or black skin, it is crucial to discontinue nifedipine immediately and promptly contact emergency services (such as dialing 111). These symptoms could indicate potential liver problems.

Grapefruits and grapefruit juice may augment the impact of nifedipine by increasing its concentration in your system. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using this medication. Additionally, it is crucial not to initiate any other medications without prior discussion and approval from your doctor.

Nifedipine may interact with various other medications, including antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or rifampicin, calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or verapamil, antifungal medicines like fluconazole or itraconazole, and medications for HIV or hepatitis C.

It is essential to promptly inform your healthcare team of any side effects you experience while using this medication. These may encompass allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Additionally, symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, such as chest pain or tightness, discomfort in the shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, or sensations of faintness or lightheadedness, should be reported immediately.

Nifedipine is highly sensitive to light. To ensure its effectiveness, it is recommended to ingest the tablet or capsule as soon as it is removed from its packaging. While you have flexibility in choosing the time for taking nifedipine, try to maintain a consistent daily schedule. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a beverage of water.

While using this medicine, potential side effects to be aware of include a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, as well as rapid weight gain and swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Following treatment with nifedipine, there is a tendency for body weight to decrease, along with a reduction in the weight of white adipose tissue. In the absence of dietary restrictions, nifedipine has been associated with a decrease in plasma insulin levels, while plasma glucose levels tend to decrease.

One potential side effect of nifedipine is an increased frequency of urination. It’s worth noting that this effect typically does not impact bladder or urethral pressure. If you encounter any unusual symptoms that disrupt your daily routine, it is advisable to promptly inform your doctor.