Procardia (Nifedipine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Procardia

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High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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Procardia

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PROCARDIA®
(nifedipine) Capsules For Oral Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

PROCARDIA® (nifedipine) is an antianginal drug belonging to a class of pharmacological agents, the calcium channel blockers. Nifedipine is 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-, dimethyl ester, C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₆, and has the structural formula:

PROCARDIA® (nifedipine) Structural Formula Illustration

Nifedipine is a yellow crystalline substance, practically insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol. It has a molecular weight of 346.3. PROCARDIA capsules are formulated as soft gelatin capsules for oral administration, each containing 10 mg nifedipine.

Inert ingredients in the formulation are: glycerin; peppermint oil; polyethylene glycol; soft gelatin capsules (which contain Yellow 6, and may contain Red Ferric Oxide and other inert ingredients); and water. The 10 mg capsules also contain saccharin sodium.

What are the possible side effects of nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia XL)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nifedipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
severe dizziness or fainting;
psychosis;
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); or
swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less...

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What are the precautions when taking nifedipine (Procardia)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/7/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.