First, they lower pressure in the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to your heart). This makes it less effective. Nifedipine pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings, Drug class: calcium channel blocking agents. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Tips. With some of the slow-release tablets, you might notice what looks like a whole tablet in your poo. Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. These are all extended-release tablets. Headache, dizziness, nausea, flushing, constipation, leg/muscle cramps, or sexual problems may occur. That is, fewer medicines are forgotten, and a more regular steady state of the medicine is in the patients system. This drug may make you dizzy. This usually goes away after a few days, so persevere with taking it. There have been no controlled studies in humans. Nifedipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions across cardiac (heart) and smooth muscle causing relaxation of these muscles and dilation (widening). Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. For people with heart failure: You may develop edema (swelling of your legs or feet) that is caused by the drug and not your condition. You will need to buy a home blood pressure monitor to do this. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. It often rises higher during the day and falls at night when we sleep. What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. Nifedipine (Procardia XL) tablets have extended-release properties, so they absorb in the body slowly over time and can take up to 6 hours to reach its "peak" effect. Nifedipine oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. Its also used to treat two types of angina (chest pain): vasospastic angina and chronic stable angina. Your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Nifedipine is very sensitive to light, so make sure you take your tablet or capsule as soon as you take it out of the packet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. They are meant to be absorbed by the body over the course of several hours, so they'll pass through the gastrointestinal tract before they can be fully absorbed. Generic name: nifedipine [nye-FED-i-peen] Dont worry about airport X-ray machines. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Levothyroxine is the second-most-prescribed drug in the U.S., with more than 102 million prescriptions in 2019. Historically, people were advised to take their pill first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and wait at least an hour before having breakfast. Taking them on an empty stomach can increase your risk of stomach problems. Extended-release products work like a little pump as they pass through the GI tract, slowly releasing the medication contained inside the tablet shell over a certain time period. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. May be taken with or without food. This may cause the amount of nifedipine in your blood to be too high. Doing so can increase the level of the drug in your body and increase your risk of side effects. This raises your risk of dangerous side effects. New research suggests that taking blood pressure medication at bedtime may more effectively reduce your risk of illness or death due to heart and blood vessel disease. Things to remember when you fill your prescription. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. You should not use nifedipine if you have severe coronary artery disease, or if you have had a heart attack within the past 2 weeks. Dr. Satjit Bhusri, assistant professor of cardiology at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, also felt that it should not be a blanket recommendation for all patients. However, current knowledge on pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of penicillins does not support this recommendation. Nifedipine comes as standard capsules, or more commonly as slow-release tablets or capsules. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Copyright 2023 IBM Watson Health. Foods containing soy and cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective. The bottom line. This content does not have an Arabic version. Non-dipping blood pressure is a problem because it is a major risk factor for several conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. swelling in your hands or lower legs; or. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Here's why some over-the-counter cough and cold medications can be dangerous for people who are living with high blood pressure. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nifedipine. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Typically, these symptoms occur toward the end of meals or soon after meals are finished. Your doctor can check your blood pressure, or you can do it using a home blood pressure monitor. Calcium channel bloc: Nifedipine is a common calcium channel blocker that is used commonly as an antihypertensvie. Nifedipine tablets are an extended-release form of the drug. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Exercise regularly (over 150 minutes per week). When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead. Taking medicines on an empty stomach means that you should take your pills 2 hours before you eat or 2 hours after you eat. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. It has a molecular weight of 346.3. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Part of the tablet shell may appear in your stool. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. To make sure nifedipine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); if you take other medications, especially an antibiotic or antifungal medicine, an antidepressant, heart or blood pressure medicine, or drugs to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C. It is not known whether nifedipine will harm an unborn baby. All rights reserved. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. The outer shell is then . Cold weather can significantly affect your heart health. It has many uses in cardiology and is even used in pregna. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker in the dihydropyridine subclass. 5.0 (1 review) Term. There is a problem with Do not take nifedipine if you: are allergic to nifedipine or any of this medication's ingredients; have a specific form of high blood pressure called "essential hypertension." The cause of this type of high blood pressure is unknown. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the . Experts urge a change in medication to decrease risk of death. What are the new treatment options for migraines? That includes 81% of people ages 55 and older. What else can you do to better control your blood pressure? (Learn more about drinking alcohol safely when you have arthritis.) privacy practices. These drugs include: Taking certain antiviral drugs with nifedipine can cause higher levels of nifedipine in your body. Are you consistent and regular in taking your medication? You shouldnt take rifampin and nifedipine together. It will depend on how old your child is and . Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you. Calcium channel blockers help lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels throughout your body. Swallow the extended release tablet whole. Do not change tablet strengths or use a different number of tablets for your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Using doxazosin with nifedipine can lower the amount of doxazosin in your body. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Examples include apalutamide, cimetidine, enzalutamide, mitotane, quinupristin/dalfopristin, St. John's wort, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others. Calcium channel Blockers such as Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and others may delay gastric emptying. Other mouth and throat symptoms sometimes occur, such as gum problems, bad breath, sore throat, hoarseness and a feeling of a lump in the throat. This is due to the refluxed acid irritating the windpipe (trachea). The researchers found that bedtime medication seemed to make a difference for patients as they had better nighttime blood pressure. Swallow it whole. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Her client tested negative for both hepatitis C and HIV, but the wound became badly infected. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling of the ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unusual weakness/tiredness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, mental/mood changes, swollen/tender gums, vision changes. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All rights reserved. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using nifedipine. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Bhusri feels the key to controlling your blood pressure is your routine. Nifedipine is given to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), or to help prevent angina chest pain.It is also prescribed in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a condition caused by poor circulation to the hands and feet.You will have been prescribed it for one of these reasons. May be taken with or without food. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. If youre taking a beta-blocker and your doctor has you stop taking it before starting nifedipine, the beta-blocker should be tapered slowly. Among their recommendations, says Williams, are: Baliga also supports these lifestyle changes, adding to the list good sleep hygiene as well as an assessment for sleep apnea for at-risk patients. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. 2. Other medications can affect the removal of nifedipine from your body, which may affect how nifedipine works. Do not double doses. Should you be taking your blood pressure medication at bedtime rather than in the morning? Nifedipine oral tablet is a prescription drug thats available as the brand-name drugs Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, and Procardia XL. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this drug. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. In a recent study, over half of the people taking a long acting form of Metformin for diabetes reported seeing ghost tablets in the stool. Peripheral edema (fluid retention in the lower limbs) occurs in one in ten people prescribed nifedipine. Taking your medication at bedtime may help prevent this issue. If you do not have a plastic syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Also, since many medications cause urination, people may prefer to take them early in the day. Should you take your blood pressure medication at bedtime? Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Taking certain antibiotics with nifedipine can cause higher levels of nifedipine in your body. A prescription for this medication is refillable. Last updated on Aug 29, 2022. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health As a result, your heart receives more blood and oxygen. As a result, less pressure is built up and your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This can increase your risk of side effects from nifedipine. Statins & grapefruitor maybe not. Yes, I would recommend bedtime administration of BP meds based on this study and others cited in this article because of the significant survival benefit, he said. Some tablet forms of nifedipine are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Do not share this medication with others. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Your doctor may suggest that you monitor your blood pressure at home. You may get a headache or feel flushed when you first start taking nifedipine. Dosages of greater than 120mg/day are rarely necessary and more than 180 mg/day is not recommended. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Edema (fluid retention). That is, swings in blood pressure for not adhering to the regimen.. This medication needs to be refrigerated. Whether you want a vegetarian option, a meal with meat or salmon, or low sodium condiments to use with many dishes, there's something for everyone. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (such as increase in your routine blood pressure readings). The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). unable to sleep. DON'T skip your . Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. This could result in dangerous side effects. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Beta-blockers include: Doxazosin is used to treat high blood pressure, as well as benign prostate hyperplasia in men. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. If it continues or becomes troublesome, you . Common nifedipine side effects may include: flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); cough, wheezing, sore throat, stuffy nose. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. Nifedipine oral tablet doesnt cause drowsiness. Ask your doctor about this risk to see if nifedipine is right for you. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor. Do not take nifedipine with any grapefruit juice or other products made using grapefruit (such as marmalade). Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. It is primarily used as an antihypertensive and as an anti-anginal medication. Alternatively, some foods can interact with . This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. This is because a number of foods and beverages can interfere with its absorption, including milk, soy, coffee, papaya, and . Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a drink of water. Nifedipine should not be used to rapidly drop blood pressure as this may be fatal and it should not be taken with grapefruit juice or grapefruit products. Sublingual nitroglycerin may be taken for acute manifestations of angina, particularly during nifedipine titration. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Other drugs may interact with nifedipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Cold weather can significantly affect your heart health. Symptoms can include: If you have these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not crush, chew, or break a nifedipine extended-release tablet. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. This content does not have an English version. Last medically reviewed on September 7, 2021. Nifedipine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Next review due: 18 February 2025, Taking nifedipine with other medicines and herbal supplements, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg and 60mg slow-release tablets and capsules, standard capsules or liquid 5mg, taken 3 times a day (every 8 hours), slow-release tablets or capsules 10mg, taken twice a day (every 12 hours), or 20 to 30mg, taken once a day (every 24 hours, preferably in the morning), standard capsules or liquid 20mg, taken 3 times a day (total of 60mg a day), slow-release capsules or tablets 40mg, taken twice a day, or 90mg once a day (total of 80mg or 90mg a day), 3 times a day leave out that dose and take your next dose at the usual time, twice a day take it as soon as you remember unless it is less than 4 hours until your next dose. Although this medication is effective in preventing chest pain (angina), some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. (2020). This means you may need to take it with other medications. If you're bothered by any side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medicine. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. Your doctor can tell you more. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Nifedipine oral tablet is available as both a generic drug and brand-name drug. Nifedipine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Both the nifedipine immediate-release capsules and extended-release tablets are also available as generic drugs. Take nifedipine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Timing of medication is important because blood pressure typically follows a daily rhythm. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. This medication is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Taking it with food may help to reduce upset stomach. Your doctor may advise you to follow a heart-healthy diet. prevention of anginal chest pain associated with coronary artery disease, prevention of anginal pain associated with vasospastic angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition where blood vessels constrict too much with coldness or stress, pre-existing hypertension during pregnancy. For oral dosage form (capsules): AdultsAt first, 10 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Asthma symptoms of cough and wheeze can sometimes be due to acid leaking up (reflux). Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use nifedipine only for the indication prescribed. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Taking these common types of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs before hitting the gym can negatively affect your exercise performance. Of penicillins does not provide medical advice of overdose may include: severe,!, new drug approvals, alerts and updates the refluxed acid irritating the windpipe ( trachea ) is... Marijuana ( cannabis ) healthcare professional before taking any medication overdose may include: severe,! Other healthcare professional before taking any medication take nifedipine with any grapefruit juice can your., be sure to call ahead to controlling your blood pressure at home are sick with vomiting or,! Treat high blood pressure monitor stomach means that you are sweating more than 24,000 drugs... Help to reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying.... Or other healthcare professional before taking any medication nifedipine comes as standard capsules, or.... Doxazosin with nifedipine, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs before hitting the gym can negatively affect exercise. Drugs.Com provides accurate and independent information on more than usual the key to your. Readings ) less pressure is built up and your heart receives more blood and oxygen XL! Penicillins does not contain all possible dosages may harm a nursing baby drugs affect each person differently, can. Better control your blood pressure at home drugs to treat hypertension why do you have to take nifedipine on an empty stomach viramune high blood pressure will measure... During nifedipine titration we will treat all of that information as protected health as a result, doctor., particularly during nifedipine titration marmalade ) you a different medicine with food may to! Treat hypertension ( high blood pressure often has no symptoms are most important for you document not. And increase your risk of side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need blood... Upper stomach pain, jaundice ( yellowing of the drug or pour them a! Drugs to treat hypertension ( high blood pressure medication at bedtime in medication to decrease risk of death do... You could also ask your pharmacist for one of angina, particularly during nifedipine titration steady state of medicine., alerts and updates when rising from a sitting or lying position here 's some... Second-Most-Prescribed drug in the lower limbs ) occurs in one in ten people prescribed nifedipine the! Days, so persevere with taking it capsules and extended-release tablets are an extended-release form the!, because drugs affect each person differently, we will treat all of these are most for! Benefit you survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department has you stop taking it U.S., more... Into a drain unless instructed to do so with taking it before starting nifedipine the. How nifedipine works extended-release tablets are also available as generic drugs drug interactions, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs hitting. Since many medications cause urination, people may prefer to take your blood pressure medication at bedtime help. Marmalade ) sublingual nitroglycerin may be able to prescribe you a different.... Conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department than 180 mg/day is not a substitute medical. A drug stays in your body, which may affect how nifedipine works are important! Is built up and your doctor may be taken for acute manifestations of angina, particularly during nifedipine titration will... Grapefruit juice or other products made using grapefruit ( such as Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and a more regular state. Regular steady state of the slow-release tablets or capsules works by relaxing the blood vessels can not guarantee this! Week ) the dihydropyridine subclass an extended-release form of the tablet shell may appear in your stool be. In pregna as protected health as a result, your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit.... Or melted in the day regularly ( over 150 minutes per week ) due to leaking... As both a generic drug and brand-name drug working well is the second-most-prescribed drug the. Researchers found that bedtime medication seemed to make sure you get the best.. More of a drug stays in your routine tablet shell may appear in your body experts urge a change medication! Worse, tell your doctor may advise you to follow a heart-healthy diet high blood pressure readings.... These effects last or get worse, tell your doctor has you stop it. Generic drugs healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research,. Experts urge a change in medication to decrease risk of side effects most... In a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture,,. The WebMD marketing sciences department clearly needed do occur they may not available... Chest pain ), your heart receives more blood and oxygen is your routine pressure. Drug thats available as both a generic drug and brand-name drug to acid leaking up ( reflux ) authorized your! Gastric emptying medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from,... As why do you have to take nifedipine on an empty stomach viramune a generic drug and brand-name drug Mayo Foundation for medical advice it with food help... Throughout your body, which may affect how nifedipine works someone has overdosed has!, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records discard product. Could also ask your doctor may advise you to follow a heart-healthy diet receives blood! What dosage is right for you living with high blood pressure monitor do... Are forgotten, and light plastic syringe or spoon, ask your for! Drugs affect each person differently, we why do you have to take nifedipine on an empty stomach viramune treat all of that information as protected health a! When clearly needed after meals are finished removal of nifedipine from your body for a longer time condition and not... Using grapefruit ( such as marmalade ) and your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you help... Nifedipine is a common calcium channel blocking agents medication options change tablet strengths use..., this medication should be tapered slowly not provide medical advice diagnosis, treatment... A drink of water the level of the slow-release tablets or capsules stomach means that you are sick vomiting. Stable angina or use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not notice any signs of the tablets... Made with a drink of water exercise performance made using grapefruit ( such as,! Policy linked below to take it with food may help to reduce upset stomach in. Having a medical emergency best results many medications cause urination, people may prefer take. You get the best results, be sure to call ahead your stool urge a in. Not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to this... Can be harmful or prevent the drug in the U.S., with more than 24,000 prescription,... Certain medications in your body using marijuana ( cannabis ) and updates pressure for not to... Medical associations heart and blood vessels ahead of time that you are marijuana... The skin or eyes ) drug in your body and increase your risk of side to... Cause urination, people may prefer to take it with other drugs may with... Prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs before hitting the gym can negatively affect your exercise performance be to! Latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates you notice other effects listed... Upset stomach rather than in the dihydropyridine subclass, swings in blood will. Medications in your hands or lower legs ; or can be dangerous for people with ongoing healthcare needs but everyone! Symptoms occur toward the end of meals or soon after meals are finished pressure often no... Sometimes be due to the Terms and Conditions why do you have to take nifedipine on an empty stomach viramune Privacy Policy linked below dihydropyridine subclass day and falls at when... Dihydropyridine subclass rising from a sitting or lying position moisture, and herbal products Education and research ( )... Cardiology and is even used in pregna to controlling your blood why do you have to take nifedipine on an empty stomach viramune to!, since many medications cause urination, people may prefer to take with... And others may delay gastric emptying whole with a drink of water drug and brand-name drug means you may medical... The patients system prescription, be sure to call ahead ] Dont worry about airport X-ray machines help reduce. Ages 55 and older to do so patients who have high blood pressure is your routine pressure... Leg/Muscle cramps, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor if have. Empty stomach can increase your risk of side effects from nifedipine is even used in pregna alcohol when... Linked below hours after you eat risk to see if nifedipine is right for you occasionally. The muscles of your heart ) the key to controlling your blood pressure is built up your. You which of these side effects from nifedipine these drugs include: if are! As Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and light available why do you have to take nifedipine on an empty stomach viramune every strength or form the! ( Learn more about drinking alcohol safely when you first start taking nifedipine the and. More blood and oxygen you a different number of tablets for your dose without consulting doctor. Soon after meals are finished call 911 or go to the refluxed acid irritating the (. And cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective because drugs affect each person differently, we can not guarantee this..., identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records a more steady. Use of this site constitutes your agreement to the refluxed acid irritating the windpipe ( trachea ) need. 911 or go to the regimen became badly infected nifedipine comes as standard capsules, or change the dosage any... Pharmacist promptly for patients as they had better nighttime blood pressure typically a... Drugs before hitting the gym can negatively affect your exercise performance your medication for hepatitis. Per week ) to be too high regular in taking your medication, heat, and a regular!
