Nifedipine

What is Nifedipine?

Nifedipine is part of a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It acts by relaxing the heart muscles as well as the blood vessels.

Nifedipine can be used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) as well as angina (chest pain).Nifedipine can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.The use of nifedipine is not recommended when you suffer from serious coronary artery disease or if you've suffered an attack of the heart within the last two weeks.

Before you take nifedipine, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, a blockage of the digestion tract (stomach or intestines), or a past history of abdominal surgery, coronary artery disease, diabetic thyroid inactivity, or congestive heart failure.If you require surgery, inform your surgeon beforehand that you're taking Nifedipine prior to surgery. It is possible that you will need to stop taking the medication for a brief period of time.

Don't stop taking the drug without consulting your physician first, even if you are well. If you stop abruptly, it could cause your condition to get worse. High blood pressure usually has no signs. It is possible that you will need medication to lower your blood pressure throughout your life.

Before you Take this Drug

This medication is not recommended if you have an allergy to nifedipine, suffer from severe coronary artery disease, or have suffered a heart attack in the past two weeks.

To ensure that nifedipine is appropriate for you, consult your physician if:

• Severe COPD (chronic OPD);
• Kidney disease;
• Congestive heart failure,
• If you take any other medication for any reason, including an antibiotic, antifungal medication, antidepressant, blood pressure medication, heart medication, or medicines that treat HIV or Hepatitis C,

It isn't known if it will harm an unborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or plan to become pregnant while taking this medication.Nifedipine may be found in the breast milk of a baby and could harm the baby who is nursing. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding the baby.

The extended-release tablet nifedipine could contain lactose. Discuss with your doctor prior to taking this type of nifedipine in case you suffer from galactose intolerance or issues in relation to lactose (milk sugar).

How to Take Nifedipine?

Use nifedipine according to the prescription given by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change the dosage to ensure you receive the most effective outcomes. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for a longer period than prescribed.It is possible to take the extended-release pill in the absence of food. Follow the instructions on the medicine label for taking the medication either with or without meals.Don't crush, chew, or crack a broken nifedipine extended-release tablet. Suck it up whole.

Your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly, and you might require additional tests for your blood at your doctor's office.Certain tablet forms of nifedipine have shells that do not absorb or melt in the body. A small portion of the tablet's shell can be found within your stool. This is a common reaction to nifedipine and won't reduce the effectiveness of the drug.If you are going to undergo surgery, inform your surgeon beforehand that you're taking Nifedipine prior to surgery. You might need to stop taking the medication at least a day prior to surgery.

There is a possibility that you may experience low blood pressure when you are using this medicine. Contact your physician if you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea or if you are sweating more than normal.If you're also using beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, carvedilol or nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others), you shouldn't discontinue the beta-blocker abruptly, or you could develop severe heart problems that cannot be addressed by the medication nifedipine. Follow the directions of your doctor regarding the process of tapering your beta-blocker dosage.It is not advisable to stop taking the drug nifedipine abruptly. A sudden stop can increase the severity of your illness.

If you're receiving treatment to treat high blood pressure, continue the medication, even if you feel good. High blood pressure can have no signs. You could need medication to lower your blood pressure throughout your life.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

You should take the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

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.

What Should be Avoided?

Grapefruit juice and grapefruit may be in contact with nifedipine, which can lead to unwelcome negative side effects. Talk about your use of these juices with your physician.

Be careful not to get up too fast from lying or sitting in a position where you could get dizzy. Make sure to get up slowly and steadily to avoid falling.

Side effects Of Nifedipine

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing any symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction with nifedipine, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

• Worsening angina;
• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
• Heartbeats that pound or flutter in your chest
• Chest pain or a heavy feeling in the chest; pain that extends to the shoulder or jaw; nausea; sweating; a general feeling of discomfort;
• Ankle swelling and feet the swelling of your feet and ankles
• Upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common side effects of nifedipine include:

• Mild dizziness;
• Flushing (warmth, redness, warmth, or a tingly sensation);
• Fatigue, headaches, and mood swings;
• Heartburn, nausea;
• Muscle cramps and tremors
• Cough and wheezing. Sore throat, nasal stuffiness

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Other medications can interfere with nifedipine. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, as well as vitamins and herbal products. Inform all of your health professionals about the medicines you take currently and all medicines that you decide to stop or begin taking.