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Nifedipine |
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What is Nifedipine and why is it prescribed? Nifedipine is used to treat angina. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. It eases the workload of the heart by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the arteries, allowing them to dilate. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, and helps prevent angina. How should you take Nifedipine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nifedipine. Nifedipine tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew. Nifedipine can be taken with or without food. Do not substitute another brand of Nifedipine unless your doctor directs. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take two doses at the same time. Nifedipine can be stored at room temperature. Protect Nifedipine from moisture, light, humidity, and excessive heat. Are there any Nifedipine side effects? Nifedipine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nifedipine side effects may include constipation, cough, dizziness, fatigue, flushing, giddiness, headache, heartburn, heat sensation, light-headedness, mood changes, muscle cramps, nasal congestion, nausea, sore throat, swelling of arms, legs, hands, and feet, tremors, and wheezing. Less common Nifedipine side effects may include abdominal pain, blurred vision, chest congestion, chills, cramps, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty in balance, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry cough, dry mouth, excessive sweating, fever, fluttering heartbeat, gas, general chest pain, hives, impotence, indigestion, itching, jitteriness, joint pain, leg cramps, muscle and bone inflammation, nervousness, pain, production of large amounts of pale urine, rash, sexual difficulties, shakiness, shortness of breath, skin inflammation, sleep disturbances, sleepiness, stiff joints, tingling or pins and needles, and weakness. Rare Nifedipine side effects may include abnormal or terrifying dreams, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, belching, blood in the urine, breast development in males, breast pain, breathing disorders, dark stools containing blood, decreased sex drive, depression, distorted taste, dulled sense of touch, excessive urination at night, facial swelling, fainting, fever, gout, gum overgrowth, hair loss, hepatitis, hives, hot flashes, increased angina, increased sweating, inflammation of the sinuses, inflamed and peeling skin, and other skin disorders, irregular heartbeat, male fertility problems, migraine, muscle incoordination, muscle pain, muscle tension, nosebleeds, painful or difficult urination, paranoia, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish spots under the skin, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, swelling around the eyes or mouth and throat with breathing difficulty, tearing eyes, temporary blindness, upper respiratory tract infection, vague feeling of illness, vertigo, vision changes, vomiting, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nifedipine? If Nifedipine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nifedipine with Cimetidine (Tagamet), Digoxin (Lanoxin), or Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex). Taking Nifedipine with grapefruit juice can dramatically increase the effect of the drug. Do not combine the two. Are there any special warnings about Nifedipine? Nifedipine may cause your blood pressure to become too low, which may make you feel light-headed or faint. This is more likely to happen when you start taking the medication and when the amount you take is increased. It is also more likely to occur if you are also taking a beta-blocker heart medication such as Tenormin or Inderal. Your doctor should check your blood pressure when you start taking Nifedipine and continue monitoring it while your dosage is being adjusted. Do not take Nifedipine for the first week or two following a heart attack, or if you are in danger of a heart attack. There is a remote possibility of experiencing increased angina when you start taking Nifedipine, or when your dosage is increased. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately. You may have angina pain if you suddenly stop taking beta blockers when beginning Nifedipine therapy. Your doctor will taper you off the other drug. If you have tight aortic stenosis and have been taking a beta blocker, your doctor will monitor you carefully while you are taking Nifedipine. If you develop swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, your doctor can prescribe a diuretic to relieve the problem. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Nifedipine if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. Nifedipine is not recommended for use in children. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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