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Side Effects of Procardia
Although most people tolerate Procardia well, side effects are possible. Some common ones include dizziness, hot flashes, and headaches. In most cases, these problems are minor and easily treated. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you develop more serious reactions to Procardia, such as chest pain, depression, or temporary blindness.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Procardia® (nifedipine). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible Procardia side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Procardia has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common side effects of Procardia included:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or giddiness -- in up to 27 percent of people
- Flushing or hot flashes -- up to 25 percent
- Headaches -- up to 23 percent
- Weakness -- up to 12 percent
- Nausea or heartburn -- up to 11 percent
- Swelling or water retention in the hands, legs, or feet -- up to 10 percent
- Muscle cramps or shakiness (tremors) -- up to 8 percent.
Other common reactions (occurring in 5 to 7 percent of people) included:
- Temporary low blood pressure
- Nervousness or mood changes
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (palpitations)
- Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD