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Nifedipine

Brand: Procardia XL (Adalat CC discontinued)

Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine)Used for: High blood pressure, anginaCardiovascular

No boxed warning on the current FDA label.

Caution
Immediate-release nifedipine is not used for acute blood pressure lowering because sudden drops have caused strokes and heart attacks.
Storage
Protect from light and moisture; keep in the original container.

Common side effects

  • Ankle and leg swelling
  • Flushing
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat

Key interactions

  • Grapefruit juice raises its level
  • Additive blood-pressure lowering with other agents

Counseling points

  • Swallow extended-release tablets whole
  • The empty tablet shell may appear in the stool. This is expected
  • Report swelling that worsens
  • Rise slowly from sitting
We ask 4 questions about Nifedipine.Practice Nifedipine →Test yourself on medications like Nifedipine.Practice Medications →
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High-yield study aid for exam prep, not a substitute for the package insert or a pharmacist’s dispensing reference.