$Unique_ID{BRK03252}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{nifedipine}
$Subject{Adalat Miles Procardia XL Pfizer Antianginal nifedipine angina chest
pain calcium channel blockers relaxes prevents blood vessels spasms oxygen
heart muscle}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Procardia*0325201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


nifedipine
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Adalat (Miles)
     Procardia (Pfizer)
     Procardia XL (Pfizer)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antianginal

INGREDIENT

     nifedipine

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg)

STORAGE

     Nifedipine capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat various types of angina (chest pain).
Nifedipine belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.  By
blocking calcium, nifedipine relaxes and prevents spasms of the blood vessels
of the heart and reduces the oxygen needs of the heart muscle.

TREATMENT

     Nifedipine should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water
one hour before or two hours after a meal (unless your doctor directs you to
do otherwise).  These capsules should be swallowed whole to obtain maximum
benefit.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is within two hours of your next scheduled dose.  In that
case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, cough, dizziness, flushing, gas, giddiness, headache,
heartburn, heat sensation, nasal congestion, nausea, nervousness, sleep
disturbances, sweating, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.  To
avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the
muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing one
foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet
so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, chills, confusion, difficulty in breathing, fainting, fever,
fluid retention, impotence, mood changes, muscle cramps, palpitations, rash,
sore throat, or tremors.

INTERACTIONS

     Nifedipine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Nifedipine can increase the active blood levels of digoxin, warfarin,
phenytoin, and quinine, which can lead to an increase in side effects.
     2. The combination of nifedipine and beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol,
betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol,
pindolol, propranolol, or timolol) can lead to a severe drop in blood
pressure.
     3. Nifedipine can lower quinidine blood levels, which can decrease its
effectiveness.
     4. Cimetidine can decrease the breakdown of nifedipine in the body, which
can increase the risk of side effects.
     Before starting to take nifedipine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to nifedipine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, kidney disease,
low blood pressure, or liver disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell
your doctor or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first consult your
doctor.  Stopping this medication abruptly may lead to severe chest pain.
Your doctor may, therefore, want to decrease your dosage gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Nifedipine has been
shown to cause birth defects in the offspring of animals that received large
doses of it during pregnancy.  This medication has not been studied in
pregnant women.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
It is not known whether nifedipine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.