What is Adalat CC?
Adalat CC belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It acts by relaxing the muscles in your heart as well as the blood vessels. Adalat C helps treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain).
Warnings
You might not be able to take Adalat CC if your heart isn't pumping blood correctly or if you are taking the drug rifampin. It is not recommended to use Adalat CC if you have serious coronary artery disease or if you've suffered an attack on your heart in the last two weeks.
Before you take Adalat CC, you should inform your physician if you suffer from liver or kidney disease, a blockage of the digestive tract (stomach or intestines), or a past history of abdominal surgery, coronary artery disease, diabetic thyroid inactivity, or congestive heart disease. If you require surgery, inform the surgeon in advance of the reason you're using this medication. It is possible that you will need to stop taking the medication for a brief period of time.
Do not quit taking Adalat CC before talking with your physician, even if you are well. The abrupt stop could increase the severity of your problem. The condition is often accompanied by no signs. It is possible that you will need blood pressure medications throughout your life.
Before you Take This Drug
It is not recommended to take Adalat CC if you are intolerant to the chemical nifedipine. It's possible you won't be able to take the drug if your heart is unable to efficiently pump blood.
Certain medicines may cause undesirable or harmful effects when used in conjunction with Adalat CC. Your doctor might alter your treatment plan if you also take:
- John's wort;
- An antibiotic (rifabutin, rifampin);
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
To be sure Adalat CC is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you have previously had:
- A heart attack;
- Extremely low blood pressure;
- The aortic valve of the coronary artery (aortic stenosis);
- Congestive heart failure;
- Cirrhosis or another liver disease
- kidney disease or
- Diabetes
Senior adults could become more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. You shouldn't breastfeed when taking the drug nifedipine.
Adalat CC is not approved for use by anyone less than 18 years old.
How To Take Adalat CC?
Take Adalat CC exactly as recommended by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label and study all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage.
Take the tablet in one swallow and make sure you don't crush, chew, or break it. The extended-release tablet should be taken on an empty stomach.
Your dosage requirements can change when you change the brand, strength, or formulation of the drug. Make sure you are using only the strength and form the doctor recommends. Your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly, and you might require other medical tests.
Use this medicine even if you are feeling well. Utilize all your blood pressure and heart medications according to your doctor's instructions and read the medical guides you are given. Don't change the dose or cease taking the medication without the advice of your physician.
There is a possibility that you may experience very low blood pressure while you take this medication. Contact your physician if you have a fever, nausea, diarrhea, or more sweating than usual. If you are going to undergo surgery, inform your surgeon in advance that you're using Adalat CC. It may be necessary to stop taking the medication for at least 36 hours prior to surgery. Some tablets contain an outer shell that isn't taken in or melted by the body. The shell can be present in the stools of your patients. It's normal and does not affect the medication's efficiency. Keep the container in its original place in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and light.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once. Use the extended-release tablet with no food.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can include heartbeat irregularity, extreme dizziness, or fainting.
What Should be Avoided?
Grapefruit could interact with nifedipine and lead to unwelcome negative side effects. Beware of using grapefruit-related products. Beware of taking herbal supplements that contain St. John's Wort. Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting posture, as you might be shaky. Start slowly and steady yourself to avoid a fall.
Side Effects Of Adalat CC
Contact a medical professional immediately when you notice symptoms warning of an allergic reaction to Adalat CC (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling in your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation of the skin that is red or purple and blisters and peels).
See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Worsening chest pain.
- Heartbeats that pound or flutter in your chest.
- A feeling of lightheadedness that makes you feel like you're about to pass out.
- An increase in swelling on your hands and legs swelling in your lower legs or hands.
- Upper stomach discomfort, pain in the stomach, and jaundice (yellowing in the eyes or skin).
There is a possibility that you may experience more severe or frequent episodes of angina after you first begin using Adalat CC or whenever your dosage is modified.
Adverse side effects can include:
- Swelling.
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or a tingly feeling).
- Headache, dizziness.
- Stomach ache, heartburn.
- Feeling tired or weak.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction With Other Drugs
If you've been taking beta-blockers (such as metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, propranolol, sotalol, and many others), it is not advisable to discontinue them abruptly. Follow the instructions of your physician regarding the process of tapering the dose. If you stop a beta-blocker too fast, it could result in serious heart problems that cannot be prevented with Adalat CC.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly other blood pressure or heart medications.
If you decide to stop or start taking other medicines, your doctor might need to adjust the dosage of nifedipine. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other drugs you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.
There are many drugs that can interact with nifedipine, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken simultaneously. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and all medicines you begin or stop taking. This includes different prescription and over-the-counter medicine, herbs, and vitamins. Not all interactions are mentioned here.
