Procardia XL is an extended-release tablet that is usually taken once daily. The tablet is designed to release nifedipine slowly over several hours, helping provide a steady effect throughout the day.
Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, split, or break the tablet, because doing so can interfere with the extended-release system and may cause too much medication to be released at once.
Take Procardia XL at approximately the same time each day. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and on your prescription label.
Taking Procardia XL With Food
Follow the specific instructions that come with your medication regarding food. Procardia XL is commonly taken on an empty stomach, and taking it consistently in the same way each day can help maintain a predictable effect.
Avoid making major changes to how you take the medication without first checking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Use the Correct Brand and Strength
Different nifedipine products are not always interchangeable because they may release the medication at different rates.
If your pharmacy changes the brand, strength, or dosage form of nifedipine, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure the new product is appropriate for you.
Use only the brand, strength, and dosage form prescribed for you. Do not substitute another nifedipine product on your own.
Take Procardia XL Regularly
Continue taking Procardia XL every day, even when you feel well. High blood pressure often does not cause noticeable symptoms, so feeling well does not necessarily mean that treatment is no longer needed.
If you take Procardia XL for angina, regular treatment may help reduce how often chest pain occurs.
Do not increase, decrease, or stop your dose without speaking with your healthcare provider. Suddenly changing your treatment may cause your blood pressure or angina symptoms to worsen.
Monitoring During Treatment
Your healthcare provider may check your blood pressure regularly to determine how well Procardia XL is working.
Depending on your condition and other medications you take, additional monitoring may also be recommended.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your blood pressure remains unusually high.
- You frequently feel dizzy or faint.
- Your angina becomes more frequent or severe.
- You develop new or troublesome side effects.
- You are unsure whether your dose is working properly.
Regular monitoring can help your healthcare provider decide whether your dose needs to be adjusted.
Low Blood Pressure
Procardia XL lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels. In some people, blood pressure may become too low.
Symptoms of low blood pressure may include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling faint
- Fainting
Be careful when standing up quickly, particularly when you first start treatment or after your dose has been increased.
If severe dizziness or fainting occurs, contact your healthcare provider.
Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Fluid Loss
Significant vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can cause the body to lose fluids. This may increase the risk of low blood pressure while taking Procardia XL.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, become dehydrated, or are sweating much more than usual.
Do not change or stop your medication on your own unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Procardia XL, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Continue with your regular schedule afterward.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose. Taking too much nifedipine can cause your blood pressure to fall too low.
If you frequently forget doses, taking Procardia XL at the same time each day may make it easier to remember.
If you are unsure whether you should take a missed dose, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
Before Surgery or Medical Procedures
Tell your surgeon, dentist, anesthesiologist, or other healthcare professional that you take Procardia XL before undergoing surgery or another medical procedure.
Nifedipine can affect blood pressure, so your healthcare team may need to consider your medication when planning the procedure.
Your healthcare provider will tell you whether you should continue or temporarily stop Procardia XL. Do not stop taking it before surgery unless specifically instructed to do so.
Tablet Shell in the Stool
Procardia XL uses a special extended-release delivery system. After the medication has been released, the tablet’s outer shell may remain intact as it moves through the digestive system.
Because of this, you may occasionally notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool.
This is generally normal and does not mean the medication was not absorbed. The nifedipine has already been released from the tablet before the empty shell leaves the body.
Storage
Store Procardia XL in its original container at room temperature.
Protect the medication from:
- Excess moisture
- High temperatures
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive humidity
Do not store the tablets in places that become hot or damp, such as near a stove or in a bathroom.
Keep Procardia XL securely stored and out of the reach of children and pets.
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