Procardia
Nifedipine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Procardia
Procardia is a calcium channel blocker group of drug. Calcium channel blocker group of drugs, block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells which line the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Calcium is required in muscle contraction and blocking calcium transport causes relaxation of the artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body.
By relaxing coronary arteries, Procardia is useful in treatment and prevention of chest pain or angina, which results from coronary artery narrowing and reducing blood supply to heart. By relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body Procardia lowers the blood pressure, which in turn reduces the burden on the heart to pump blood to the body. By reducing the burden of the heart Procardia reduces the oxygen demand of heart and prevent angina and other heart diseases.
Therapeutic Uses of Procardia
Procardia is used in the treatment of chest pain or angina. Procardia is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It can also be used in other medical conditions that your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Procardia
Take Procardia as your doctor tells you to take. Procardia capsules should be swallowed as whole with a glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take it as per direction for treatment of angina. If you take it during an attack of anginal chest pain it may not be effective or if it is effective it may take longer. You should keep taking Procardia and do not stop it without consulting your doctor. You may experience chest pain if you stop it suddenly and if you have to stop Procardia, you can do it gradually.
If You Miss a Dose of Procardia
If you miss a dose of Procardia and you are taking it regularly (as in treatment of high blood pressure), you should take it as soon as possible. If you miss for long time you should skip the missed dose of Procardia and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Procardia at a time.
How to Store Procardia
Procardia should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C). Store it in a tightly closed container away from moisture, heat and direct light. Keep it away from children’s reach. Do not store Procardia in the bathroom.
More Information About Procardia
Do not share Procardia with others and it should be taken by the person for whom it is prescribed. If you have any doubt about Procardia you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Procardia
- Before undergoing any surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you take this drug.
- Inform your doctor if you have any disease, especially if you have liver disease, congestive heart failure, allergies to any substance including this medicine and other drugs or substances.
- Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. You should limit using alcohol while taking Procardia.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: This medication should be used only when clearly indicated during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Procardia during pregnancy with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Though no problems have been noted, you should consult your doctor before breast feeding.
Possible Adverse Effects of Procardia
- Procardia may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness like driving and operating heavy machinery. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and allow your body to adjust.
- You may experience bloating, heartburn, nausea, blurring of vision, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, and sweating and sleep disturbances if you are taking Procardia. All these effects usually disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. Consult your doctor if they become bothersome or persistent.
- Inform your doctor if you develop any side effects like swelling of hands and/or feet, irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
- An allergic reaction to this drug is rare, but you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience allergic reaction to Procardia. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, chest tightness etc.
- If you experience any other side effect that is not included here, you should consult your doctor immediately.