NIFEDIPINE

Do not give to patients with cardiogenic shock and acute unstable angina, and in patients one month after suffering a heart attack. Do not use to treat chest pains (angina) in chronic stable angina or for acute reduction of blood pressure in adults. Do not give to patients taking strong CYP3A4 inducers.

Dizziness, flushing, weakness, swelling ankles/feet, constipation, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have a certain medical condition. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: quinidine, tacrolimus.

Other medications can affect the removal of nifedipine from your body, which may affect how nifedipine works. Examples include cimetidine, enzalutamide, St. John’s wort, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.

Symptoms of overdose include pronounced hypotension, bradycardia (slow heartbeat), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), loss of consciousness leading to coma, heart rhythm disturbances, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, cardiogenic shock with pulmonary edema. If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the hospital immediately.

Available brands:

• Adalat (Bayer)
• Altapres (J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals)
• Calcibloc (Unilab)
• Nelapine (Littman)
• Nicardia (Unique/Ambica)