Procardia

(Nifedipine)

●●●●●
2.8/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforNifedipine
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Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

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.

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Quick facts about Nifedipine
  • 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.
People’s experience with Nifedipine

26reviews so far. What do you think?

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.
How it works

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.

Quick facts about Nifedipine
  • Drug class: Cardiovascular
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (nifedipine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Extended release
People’s experience with Nifedipine

26reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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Side effect rates for Procardia (Nifedipine)

From 461 clinical trials of Nifedipine
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, giddiness
    27%27%
    15%15%
  • Flushing
    25%25%
    8%8%
  • Headache
    23%23%
    20%20%
  • Weakness
    12%12%
    10%10%
  • Nausea, heartburn
    11%11%
    8%8%
  • Muscle cramps, tremor
    8%8%
    3%3%
  • Peripheral edema
    7%7%
    1%1%
  • Nervousness, mood changes
    7%7%
    4%4%
  • Palpitation
    7%7%
    5%5%
  • Dyspnea, cough, wheezing
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Nasal congestion, sore throat
    6%6%
    8%8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Nifedipine.

Procardia (Nifedipine)
Placebo

People taking Nifedipine felt side effect more

People taking Nifedipine felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Procardia (Nifedipine)

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    • 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)

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Pregnancy

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.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Nifedipine
CWeigh risks vs. benefits
Kidneys and liver
  • 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.
Pain
  • Not worth it
    Didn’t work
    Big hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    25
    Raynauds
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Nifedipinetaking anything that causes anticholinergic side effects such as muscle relaxers,antihistamines,pain meds,sedatives will cause unbearable constipation/ dangerous
    61
    Man
    A year or so
    High blood pressure