Procardia
® (
nifedipine) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of chest pain (
angina).
Brand-name Procardia is made by Pfizer, Inc.
Generic Procardia is made by various manufacturers.
Different Forms of Procardia
This article focuses on regular (short-acting) Procardia. In addition to regular Procardia, there is also a long-acting form, called Procardia XL.
(Click Procardia XL for more information on the long-acting form of this medication.)
Procardia is part of a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers. It helps slow down the rate at which
calcium moves into your heart and into the walls of the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the 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. Procardia is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate. In fact, Procardia can actually increase the heart rate.
When and How to Take Procardia
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Procardia comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually three or four times a day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- It should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Procardia. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Procardia include, but are not limited to:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or giddiness
- Flushing or hot flashes
- Weakness
- Nausea or heartburn
- Muscle cramps or shakiness (tremors).
(Click Side Effects of Procardia to learn about specific side effects of this drug, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
Drug Interactions With Procardia
Procardia can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much of this drug may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Loss of consciousness
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fluid in the lungs.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
This medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep Procardia and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Procardia.
Procardia capsules are available in one strength -- Procardia 10 mg capsules. However, generic Procardia capsules are available in two strengths:
- Nifedipine 10 mg capsules
- Nifedipine 20 mg capsules.
Currently, there are both brand-name and generic versions of the drug licensed for sale.
