Nifedical XL

A healthcare provider may prescribe Nifedical XL to treat certain types of chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. The drug works by slowing down the rate at which calcium moves to your heart and blood vessel walls, allowing better blood flow. Nifedical XL comes in the form of an extended-release tablet that is taken by mouth, usually once a day. Some possible side effects of this drug include constipation, nausea, and headaches.

 

What Is Nifedical XL?

Nifedical XL® (nifedipine) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure (hypertension). Nifedical XL tablets are extended release, which means they slowly release the medication evenly over time.
 
(Click Nifedical XL Uses for more information on what Nifedical XL is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Nifedical XL?

Nifedical XL is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Nifedical XL Work?

Nifedical XL is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Nifedical XL helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and into the walls of the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which allows better blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Nifedical XL is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;