Side Effects of Procardia: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Procardia® (
nifedipine). 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.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Procardia. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Procardia side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Procardia
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 Procardia side effects included:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or giddiness -- in up to 27 percent of people
- Flushing or hot flashes -- up to 25 percent of people
- 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 side effects (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.
