Information about Procardia (Nifedipine ER)
Procardia (nifedipine extended-release) is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). Nifedipine works by relaxing and expanding blood vessels, which enhances blood flow and reduces the workload on the heart.
Product Highlights
- Procardia is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, helping to lower the risk of complications like heart attack and stroke.
- Used to prevent and treat angina, a condition marked by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart.
- May also be used for other heart-related conditions as prescribed by a doctor.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Aids in lowering high blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
- Relieves chest pain caused by angina, allowing for improved exercise tolerance and quality of life.
- The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily administration, improving patient adherence to treatment.
- By relaxing blood vessels, nifedipine improves overall blood circulation, especially in the heart and other vital organs.
Directions for Use
- The typical starting dose is 30 mg once daily, which can be adjusted based on individual response. The maximum dose is often 90 mg once daily.
- Take Procardia extended-release tablets with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet, as this may interfere with the release mechanism.
- Take the medication at the same time every day to maintain steady blood levels of the drug.
Safety Concerns
- These may include swelling in the ankles or legs (edema), headache, dizziness, flushing, and nausea.
- Rarely, nifedipine may cause low blood pressure (hypotension), fainting, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. If any of these symptoms develop, seek immediate medical help.
- People with a history of heart problems, particularly heart failure, should use Procardia cautiously and under a doctor’s supervision.
- Nifedipine is processed by the liver, so individuals with liver impairment may require dosage adjustments or close monitoring.
Avoid Procardia (Nifedipine ER) If
- Avoid taking Procardia if you are allergic to nifedipine or any of its ingredients.
- Avoid use if you have severely low blood pressure (hypotension), as nifedipine can lower blood pressure further.
- People with certain heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis or severe coronary artery disease, should not use nifedipine unless advised by a healthcare provider.
- Nifedipine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits exceed the risks and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Nifedipine may pass into breast milk, so it should be used cautiously in breastfeeding mothers, depending on the doctor's advice.
