Indications
Procardia XL is a medication that contains nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. By doing so, it lowers blood pressure and allows more blood, and therefore oxygen, to get to the heart. This can help with chest pain in people with angina and can also help manage hypertension (high blood pressure).
Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Nifedipine is also used for certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of chest pain attacks.
Uses and Dosage
Procardia XL is an extended-release tablet that is typically taken once a day, and it should be swallowed whole rather than broken or chewed. Take the extended-release tablet on an empty stomach. Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of Procardia XL. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other medical tests.
Keep using procardia tablet even if you feel well. Use all your heart or blood pressure medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice. You may have extremely low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Procardia XL.
You may need to stop using the medicine at least 36 hours before surgery. Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective. Store in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Procardia XL (Nifedipine Xl):
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Flushing or heat sensation
- Headache
- Nausea or heartburn
- Swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or hands
Serious Side Effects of Procardia XL (Nifedipine Xl):
- A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
- Constipation
- Muscle cramps or tremors (shakiness)
- Nervousness or mood changes
- Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Racing heart (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing
- Swelling in your hands or lower legs
- Upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Worsening chest pain
Form and Strength
Procardia XL (Nifedipine Xl) is available in the following forms and strength:
Procardia XL: SA Tablet
- 30 mg
Nifedipine Xl: Sustained Release Tablet
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 60 mg
Caution
- Procardia XL can cause a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. This is more likely to happen if you are elderly, if you are taking other medications that lower blood pressure, or if you have certain medical conditions.
- Procardia XL can cause angina (chest pain) to become worse or more frequent or can cause a heart attack in some people. This is especially true in people with severe coronary artery disease.
- Procardia XL can cause or worsen heart failure in some people, especially in those with pre-existing heart disease.
- Procardia XL can cause swelling, also known as edema, in the legs and feet. This is more likely to occur if you are elderly or if you have certain medical conditions.
- Procardia XL can cause liver or kidney problems in some people, especially those with pre-existing liver or kidney disease.
- Procardia XL can cause allergic reactions in some people, with symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Drinking grapefruit juice while taking Procardia XL can increase the concentration of the drug in your bloodstream, leading to potentially serious side effects. It is best to avoid grapefruit juice altogether while taking this medication.
- Procardia XL should be used with caution during pregnancy, as it is known to cross the placenta and may harm the developing fetus. It should also be used with caution while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the nursing infant.
- If you are scheduled to undergo surgery, you should inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Procardia XL, as it can interact with anesthesia and other medications used during surgery.
- Procardia XL can interact with other medications, including other blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and antifungal medications. Always inform your healthcare provider of all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Procardia XL interact with other medications?
Yes, Procardia XL can interact with other medications, such as other blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and antifungal medications. Always inform your healthcare provider of all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Can Procardia XL be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Procardia XL should be used with caution during pregnancy, as it has been associated with harm to the developing fetus. It should also be used with caution while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the nursing infant.
Is it safe to drink grapefruit juice while taking Procardia XL?
No, it is not safe to drink grapefruit juice while taking Procardia XL, as it can increase the concentration of the drug in your bloodstream and lead to potentially serious side effects.
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