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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medications (Calcium & Beta Blockers) > Procardia and Equivalent

Procardia Information

Procardia (nifedipine) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain). It works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your arteries, which widens the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. In angina, this relaxation and widening of blood vessels allows more blood to flow to the heart muscle, reducing chest pain. Calcium channel blockers like nifedipine block calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. Calcium is essential for these cells to contract. By blocking calcium, nifedipine helps to relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing its workload. This helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the frequency and severity of angina. Procardia is typically taken several times a day. Consistent use of Procardia helps to manage these cardiovascular conditions. It is essential to use Procardia as part of an overall treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. Regular check-ups with your doctor are necessary to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment.

Procardia Side Effects

Common side effects of Procardia may include dizziness, headache, flushing (feeling of warmth and redness of the skin), and swelling of the ankles or feet. These side effects are usually mild and may decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
• Chest pain or worsening chest pain
• Fainting or severe lightheadedness
• Fast heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting)
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Severe hypotension (significant and sustained decrease in blood pressure)
• Severe swelling in the legs or ankles
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (rare, severe skin reactions)
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Worsening angina

Procardia Precautions

Do not use Procardia if allergic to nifedipine or other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine). Also, do not use this medication if you have certain serious heart conditions, such as severe aortic stenosis. Before taking Procardia, tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Nifedipine can pass into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are not fully known. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as Procardia can interact with other medicines. Significant interactions can occur with other blood pressure medications, beta-blockers, digoxin, cimetidine, ranitidine, and certain anticonvulsants (like phenytoin and carbamazepine). Grapefruit juice can also interact with nifedipine, increasing its levels in the blood and potentially increasing the risk of side effects; avoiding consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking Procardia is advisable. If you are scheduled for surgery, including dental procedures, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Procardia.

Use Procardia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken three or four times a day. Swallow the capsules whole and do not crush, chew, or open them. Your doctor will determine the dosage based on your condition and response to the medication. It is vital to take Procardia at regular intervals throughout the day as directed by your doctor to maintain a consistent level of medication in your body. Continue to take Procardia as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking Procardia suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this could worsen your condition. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose if it becomes necessary to stop the medication. Store Procardia at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Procardia?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Procardia.