PROCARDIA
XL
|
|
IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING PROCARDIA XL.
NIFEDIPINE SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL (nye-FED-ih-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Procardia XL
USES:
PROCARDIA XL is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in
blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nifedipine relaxes
and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood
pressure and chest pain (angina).
HOW TO TAKE PROCARDIA XL:
Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide or crush.
PROCARDIA XL must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain. It is
not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop
taking PROCARDIA XL suddenly without talking with your doctor. Your
dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS:
PROCARDIA XL may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially
during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness.
When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize
dizziness and allow your body to adjust. You may also experience
bloating, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramps,
headache, flushing, sweating, sleep disturbances, or ankle/foot
swelling. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor
promptly. Notify you doctor promptly for:
chest pain, irregular pulse. In the unlikely event you have an
allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling (especially facial), dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
that you take PROCARDIA XL. Tell your doctor your medical
history, including:
liver disease, heart disease, any allergies. An empty shell may
appear in the stool. This is normal for this drug. However, caution
is advised if you have digestive system problems (stricture). Limit
using alcohol while taking PROCARDIA XL. Nifedipine should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. Nifedipine is excreted into breast milk.
Though there have been no reports to date of harm to a nursing
infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs
you are taking, especially:
beta-blockers, digoxin, quinidine, cimetidine, calcium supplements,
fentanyl, barbiturates, phenytoin, magnesium sulfate injection, high
blood pressure drugs. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate
(the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and
phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in
over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or
drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss
of consciousness.
NOTES:
Do not share PROCARDIA XL with others.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
|
|