Nifedipine ER

Who is Nifedipine ER for ?

Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure. If taken regularly, nifedipine controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nifedipine also is used to treat migraine headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker and works to lower blood pressure by interfering with the normal role of calcium in the heart and blood vessels. By blocking calcium's entry into the heart muscle and blood vessels, nifedipine causes blood vessels to relax or dilate and contraction of the heart to slow. Thus, blood pressure is lowered and your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina).

When should I be careful taking Nifedipine ER ?

Before taking nifedipine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nifedipine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet); fentanyl (Duragesic); heart and blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), warfarin (Coumadin), and quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex); phenytoin (Dilantin); ranitidine (Zantac); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nifedipine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking nifedipine.

Side Effects

Although side effects from nifedipine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• flushing (feeling of warmth)
• heartburn
• fast heartbeat
• muscle cramps
• enlargement of gum tissue around teeth
• constipation
• nasal congestion
• cough
• decreased sexual ability

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)