Procardia
(Nifedipine)
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.
Our bottom line
Nifedipine works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain, but you have to be okay with avoiding grapefruit. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.
- Price before coupon$39.48
- Lowest price with coupon$13.2566% savings
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (nifedipine)
Upsides
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
- Calcium channel blockers work especially well for African Americans to lower blood pressure.
- You can take it alone or with other medicines to help lower blood pressure.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly.
- Treats certain abnormal heart rhythms.
Downsides
- Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling in your limbs. If this happens for you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your doctor about alternatives if it bothers you.
- Women are more likely to have side effects (especially swelling) from Nifedipine than men.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Nifedipine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Not a good medication for you if you love grapefruit. It can make Nifedipine have a stronger effect on your blood pressure.
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by slowing your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels. Your heart gets more oxygen and doesn't have to work as hard to pump, which can relieve chest pain.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (nifedipine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$7.9999003410339355Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$13.25
- Get free coupon$15.33
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$15.44
Side effect rates for Procardia (Nifedipine)
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, giddiness27%27%15%15%
- Flushing25%25%8%8%
- Headache23%23%20%20%
- Weakness12%12%10%10%
- Nausea, heartburn11%11%8%8%
- Muscle cramps, tremor8%8%3%3%
- Peripheral edema7%7%1%1%
- Nervousness, mood changes7%7%4%4%
- Palpitation7%7%5%5%
- Dyspnea, cough, wheezing6%6%3%3%
- Nasal congestion, sore throat6%6%8%8%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Nifedipine.
People taking Nifedipine felt side effect more
People taking Nifedipine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Procardia (Nifedipine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking anti-inflammatories, acid reducers in the stomach, anticholinergics, laxatives, levothyroxine
- › History of intestinal surgery
There have been reports of obstruction within the intestines, sometimes requiring surgery. If you develop sudden constipation, especially if accompanied with a fever, contact your doctor immediately.
Common concerns from people taking Procardia (Nifedipine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Reports of liver damage have occurred while on this medication, especially if you have had cirrhosis. Your doctor will monitor your liver on a regular basis. Tell your doctor if you or your caregivers/family notice your skin or the whites of your eyes are becoming yellower, pain in your abdomen, or sudden confusion.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Nifedipineon 11/29/2015Swelling pain in limbs, so intense in the feet (turned puffy bright red) couldn't stand up had to elevate for hours, wasn't worth the trouble.25Raynauds
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Nifedipinetaking anything that causes anticholinergic side effects such as muscle relaxers,antihistamines,pain meds,sedatives will cause unbearable constipation/ dangerous61ManA year or soHigh blood pressure