Nifedipine 20mg

Nifedipine 20mg — Uses and Benefits

Nifedipine 20mg is commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure and angina (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). It may also be used for certain other heart and blood vessel conditions as decided by your doctor.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treating high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Preventing and treating angina (chest pain)
• Sometimes used for Raynaud's phenomenon (poor blood flow to fingers and toes) as advised by a doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells of blood vessel walls
• This relaxes and widens the blood vessels
• Widened vessels lower blood pressure and increase blood and oxygen supply to the heart

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for treating a sudden heart attack or acute chest pain crisis
• Not a painkiller for general body pain
• Not used for treating infections
• Not meant for immediate relief of an anginal attack (extended-release tablets act slowly, over time)

How to Use Nifedipine 20mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this changes how the medicine is released in the body
• Take at the same time each day to help you remember
• Can be taken with or without food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Avoid taking with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it can affect how the medicine works

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep in the original blister pack or container until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Nifedipine 20mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Flushing (warmth or redness of face)
• Swelling of ankles or feet
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Palpitations (feeling of fast or irregular heartbeat)
• Muscle cramps
• Gum swelling with long-term use

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Chest pain that gets worse or does not go away
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Severe swelling of legs, face, or difficulty breathing
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, or swelling of face and throat

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Nifedipine 20mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a valid doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to nifedipine or any other ingredient in the tablet
• Have had a recent heart attack (within the last few weeks)
• Have severe low blood pressure
• Have a condition called cardiogenic shock

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have heart failure or other heart problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are already taking other blood pressure medicines
• Are scheduled for any surgery, including dental procedures

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure lowering medicines
• Beta-blockers or digoxin (heart medicines)
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines
• Rifampicin (used for tuberculosis)
• Phenytoin and other seizure medicines
• Grapefruit juice

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop taking this medicine once my blood pressure is normal?

No, do not stop suddenly without asking your doctor, as this can cause your blood pressure or chest pain to worsen.

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

Be careful, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people; avoid driving until you know how it affects you.

Is it safe to drink alcohol with this medicine?

• Alcohol may increase dizziness and lower blood pressure further, so it is best to limit or avoid alcohol while on this medicine.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.