Nifedipine XR

Uses of Nifedipine XR (extended-release)

Nifedipine XR is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the heart’s workload.

Is primarily used for:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Angina (Chest Pain) – Improves blood flow to the heart by dilating coronary arteries, reducing the risk of chest pain.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon – Relieves symptoms by improving blood circulation to the fingers and toes.

Precautions and Warnings

Who should not use nifedipine?

People who are allergic to any of the following should not use/take nifedipine.

Procardia
Procardia XL
Nifedipine
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nifedipine products they stock.

Do not take nifedipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not chew, cut, or crush nifedipine extended-release tablets.

Do not share nifedipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep nifedipine out of the reach of children.

Nifedipine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how nicardipine affects you.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nifedipine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Heart problems
Liver problems
Stomach problems

It is not known if or how nifedipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nifedipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Nifedipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nifedipine while breastfeeding.

Dosage

The typical dosage of nifedipine XR (extended-release) can vary depending on the specific condition being treated.

For Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

Initial dose: 30 mg to 60 mg once a day.
Maintenance dose: 60 mg to 120 mg once a day.
Some patients may require up to 120 mg daily, depending on their blood pressure levels and response to treatment.

For Angina (Chest Pain):

Initial dose: 30 mg to 60 mg once a day.
Maintenance dose: 60 mg to 120 mg once a day.

For Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Off-label use):

The usual dose can range from 30 mg to 60 mg once a day, adjusted as needed.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Constipation
Nausea
Hot or warm feeling in the face (flushing)
Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)

Serious Side Effects:

worsening angina;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
swelling in your ankles or feet; or
upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).