How To Use Nifedipine

Nifedipine comes in the form of a capsule and extended-release tablet. The capsule is to be taken 3-4 times a day as prescribed. The extended-release tablet is to be taken once a day on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Make sure you swallow the extended-release tablet whole without biting, chewing, or cutting it. Try to take your medicine at around the same time(s) every day.

Read the prescription label and follow the instructions carefully. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without checking with your doctor.

Your healthcare provider may start you on a lower dose of nifedipine and gradually increase the dose after 7-14 days. Follow the dosing instructions carefully. 

Tell your doctor how well the medicine is working to control your chronic stable angina or vasospastic angina. Procardia XL (nifedipine) controls chest pain in angina patients, but it does not stop an angina attack once it starts. Your doctor may prescribe other antianginal drugs (sublingual nitroglycerin) for acute anginal attacks.

Nifedipine may control your blood pressure but will not cure the condition. Monitor blood pressure at home and bring a log of your readings to your appointments. Continue taking nifedipine regularly even if you are symptom-free. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. Doing so can result in severe hypertension (a dangerous increase in blood pressure).

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of nifedipine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store nifedipine at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused nifedipine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw nifedipine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded nifedipine is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on nifedipine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about nifedipine, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

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