Nifedipine Extended-Release Oral Tablets

What is this medicine?

NIFEDIPINE (nye FED i peen) is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes your blood vessels and decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It treats high blood pressure and/or prevents chest pain (also called angina).

How should I use this medicine?

Take this drug by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this drug. Swallow the tablets whole. Some tablets need to be taken on an empty stomach. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if you have any questions. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

Do not take this drug with grapefruit juice.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)

• heart attack (trouble breathing; pain or tightness in the chest, neck, back or arms; unusually weak or tired)

• heart failure (trouble breathing; fast, irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, hands; unusually weak or tired)

• low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):

• bloating

• changes in emotions or moods

• constipation

• facial flushing

• headache

• nasal congestion (like runny or stuffy nose)

• nausea

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• lumacaftor; ivacaftor

• rifabutin

• rifampin

• rifapentine

• St. John's Wort

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• certain medicines for blood pressure

• certain medicines for diabetes

• certain medicines for erectile dysfunction

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole

• certain medicines for irregular heart beat like flecainide and quinidine

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• clarithromycin

• digoxin

• dolasetron

• erythromycin

• fluoxetine

• grapefruit juice

• local or general anesthetics

• nefazodone

• orlistat

• quinupristin; dalfopristin

• sirolimus

• stomach acid blockers like cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole, or pantoprazole

• tacrolimus

• valproic acid

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blockage in your bowels

• constipation

• heart attack

• heart disease

• heart failure

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nifedipine, other drugs, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this drug without asking your health care provider for advice. Some drugs may increase your blood pressure.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

The tablet shell for some brands of this drug does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.