Nifedipine

About nifedipine

Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen. Nifedipine can also be used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition caused by bad circulation (lack of blood) to the hands and feet. Nifedipine works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure, increasing the flow of blood to the extremities and improving the efficiency of the heart.

Before taking nifedipine

Before taking nifedipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from liver problems.
• If you suffer from diabetes.
• If you suffer from porphyria.
• If you have suffered from a heart attack less than one month ago.
• If you have heart failure.
• If you have any other heart problems.
• If you suffer from unstable angina (chest pain at rest as well as during exercise)
• If you have a blockage in the gut or suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.

How to take nifedipine

• Swallow nifedipine whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush modified release formulations that are designed to release drug slowly over time, to give a more even effect. If you do, too much nifedipine may be absorbed too quickly from the gut causing unpleasant side effects such as dizziness and fainting.
• Do not stop taking nifedipine without speaking to your doctor first as this may worsen your condition and cause you to suffer an angina attack.
• If you miss a dose of nifedipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Take your medicine either with food or without food. Try to be consistent, if you normally take it with food do this every time, if you take it on an empty stomach do this every time.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with nifedipine as this can increase the amount of nifedipine in your blood.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your blood pressure and pulse can be checked
• If you are taking a modified-release version of nifedipine you should use the same brand of nifedipine each time you get a new prescription. This is because different formulations can have slightly different effects. If your medicine or packaging looks different to before speak to your pharmacist.
• The outer coating of some of the modified-release preparations may pass through the gut intact and you may see it in your stools, however this does not stop the medicine from working.

Can nifedipine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other side effects include a rash, itching, feeling sick, increased need to pass urine, eye pain, problems with vision, gum problems, pins and needles, muscle pain, shaking, problems with erection, enlarged breasts, jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

How to store nifedipine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines