Drug Detail:Nifedipine (Nifedipine [ nye-fed-i-peen ])
Generic Name: Nifedipine Capsules [ nye-FED-i-peen ]
Drug Class: Calcium channel blocking agents
Uses of Nifedipine Capsules:
- It is used to treat some types of chest pain (angina).
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nifedipine Capsules?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (nifedipine capsules); any part of this medicine (nifedipine capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have had a recent heart attack.
- If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this medicine (nifedipine capsules), like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, or seizures. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this medicine (nifedipine capsules).
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (nifedipine capsules).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (nifedipine capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nifedipine Capsules?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (nifedipine capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (nifedipine capsules) affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- It is rare, but worse chest pain and heart attack can happen after this medicine (nifedipine capsules) is first started or after the dose is raised. The risk may be greater in people who have very bad heart blood vessel disease. Talk with the doctor.
- Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- If you are taking this medicine (nifedipine capsules) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
- Very bad stomach and bowel problems like blockage and ulcers have happened with a long-acting form of this medicine (nifedipine capsules). Sometimes, these problems have led to the need to go to the hospital. Talk with the doctor.
- This form of this medicine (nifedipine capsules) is not approved to treat high blood pressure. Very low blood pressure, heart attack, and death have happened when this form of this medicine (nifedipine capsules) was used to lower high blood pressure quickly. However, your doctor may decide the benefits of taking this medicine (nifedipine capsules) outweigh the risks. If you have been given this medicine (nifedipine capsules) to treat high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (nifedipine capsules) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Nifedipine Capsules) best taken?
Use this medicine (nifedipine capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Keep taking this medicine (nifedipine capsules) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- Do not stop taking this medicine (nifedipine capsules) all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of side effects. If you need to stop this medicine (nifedipine capsules), you will want to slowly stop it as ordered by your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Chest pain that is new or worse.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Mood changes.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Muscle pain or cramping.
- Shakiness.
- Severe constipation or stomach pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem.
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
What are some other side effects of Nifedipine Capsules?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
- Headache.
- Flushing.
- Heartburn.
- Upset stomach.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Nifedipine Capsules?
- Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (nifedipine capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.