Nifedipine Capsules

What is this medication?

NIFEDIPINE (nye FED i peen) prevents and treats chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adalat, Procardia

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nifedipine, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Lumacaftor; ivacaftor
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• St. John's Wort

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
• Certain medications for blood pressure
• Certain medications for diabetes
• Certain medications for erectile dysfunction
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole
• Certain medications for irregular heart beat like flecainide and quinidine
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• Clarithromycin
• Digoxin
• Dolasetron
• Erythromycin
• Fluoxetine
• Grapefruit juice
• Local or general anesthetics
• Nefazodone
• Orlistat
• Quinupristin; dalfopristin
• Sirolimus
• Stomach acid blockers like cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole, or pantoprazole
• Tacrolimus
• Valproic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact them.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Worsening chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Facial flushing, redness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed.Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What should you avoid when taking nifedipine?

You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking its juice while taking — and three days before starting — nifedipine. It can worsen your side effects.

You may want to avoid drinking alcohol if it makes you dizzy while taking nifedipine.

Herbal products like ginseng, St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba may impact how nifedipine works.

Can I take nifedipine at night?

Yes, you can take nifedipine at night or any time of day. Check with your healthcare provider to find out the best time of day to take this medicine.

Why take nifedipine on an empty stomach?

A study found that nifedipine reaches a maximum concentration much sooner in your body when you take it with food. Taking nifedipine on an empty stomach may help you maintain a more consistent level of the drug in your body. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way for you to take nifedipine.

Does nifedipine lower heart rate?

No. It can increase your heart rate, but not by a significant amount.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Many people need to take blood pressure medicines to manage their blood pressure. This can be frustrating if you’ve been watching what you eat and adding more exercise to your days. It’s a good idea to keep up these habits whether you’re taking a blood pressure medicine or not. Learn about the medicine you’re taking and don’t be afraid to ask your provider questions about the medicine they prescribed for you.