There are many different versions of nifedipine. Some are equivalent to each other, while others are not. Not all nifedipine medications are approved for the same uses, and the dosages may be different. Different versions of nifedipine include:
Some forms of nifedipine are long-acting, while others are not. All nifedipine tablets are extended-release, while all nifedipine capsules are immediate-release.
Nifedipine is part of a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers. It helps slow down the rate at which
calcium moves into your heart and into the blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate. In fact, short-acting nifedipine (Procardia) can actually increase the heart rate, although this is not usually a problem with long-acting nifedipine.
When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations for when and how to take nifedipine include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet or capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually one to four times per day, depending on the particular form.
- Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, and Nifediac CC should be taken on an empty stomach. You can take Nifedical XL, Procardia, and Procardia XL with or without food.
- Because nifedipine tablets are extended-release, they should not be broken, crushed, or chewed. Be sure to swallow the tablets whole.
- Even though nifedipine capsules are not extended-release, they should be swallowed whole.
- Nifedipine should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular nifedipine product
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with nifedipine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of nifedipine include, but are not limited to:
(Click Nifedipine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Drug Interactions With Nifedipine
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or water retention (edema)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Loss of consciousness
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fluid in the lungs.
If you happen to overdose on nifedipine, seek immediate medical attention.
It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Both tablets and capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep nifedipine and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Nifedipine?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of nifedipine are licensed for sale
(see Generic Nifedipine).
