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Nifedipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries nifedipine is useful in treating and preventing chest pain angina resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers the blood pressure which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps blood to the body. Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscles demand for oxygen and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery disease. For more detailed information related to coronary artery disease please visit the Chest Pain Cholesterol and Heart Attack articles.

Nifedipine can be taken with or without food. Nifedipine is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be lowered in patients with liver dysfunction.

Side effects of nifedipine are generally mild and reversible. Most side effects are expected consequences of the dilation of the arteries. The most common side effects of nifedipine include headache dizziness flushing and edema swelling of the lower extremities. Less common side effects include dizziness nausea and constipation.

In patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease nifedipine can increase the frequency and severity of angina or actually cause a heart attack on rare occasions. This phenomenon usually occurs when first starting nifedipine or at the time of dosage increase. Excessive lowering of blood pressure during initiation of nifedipine treatment can occur especially in patients already taking another blood pressure lowering medication. In rare instances congestive heart failure has been associated with nifedipine usually in patients already on a beta blocker.

Administration of nifedipine with digoxin can increase digoxin blood levels. Therefore blood levels of digoxin are usually monitored to avoid toxicity. Concurrent administration of cimetidine Tagamet interferes with the liver breakdown of nifedipine and significantly increases nifedipine blood levels. Therefore cautious dosing is necessary when both medications are administered. Generally nifedipine is avoided in children.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to nifedipine.

Good dental hygiene decreases the chance and severity of gum swelling. Brush your teeth regularly and schedule dental cleanings every 6 months.

The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in the stomach after being swallowed. It slowly releases medicine as it passes through your small intestines. It is not unusual to see the tablet shell in the stool.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Chest pain angina occurs because of insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm or because of physical exertion which increases heart oxygen demand in a patient with coronary artery narrowing. Nifedipine is used for the treatment and prevention of angina resulting from coronary artery spasm as well as from exertion. Nifedipine is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also used to open the blood vessels which spasm causing Raynauds phenomenon.

Store at room temperature avoid light and moisture

Before taking nifedipine

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nifedipine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking especially cimetidine Tagamet fentanyl Duragesic heart and blood pressure medications like beta-blockers digoxin Lanoxin warfarin Coumadin and quinidine Quinaglute Quinidex phenytoin Dilantin ranitidine Zantac and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart liver or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nifedipine call your doctor.
if you are having surgery including dental surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking nifedipine.