Procardia (nifedipine) is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes muscles in the heart and blood vessels. It’s prescribed to treat chest pain and high blood pressure.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Procardia exactly as prescribed.

• Take with or without food.
• High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Keep using Procardia even if you feel well.
• Use alongside diet and lifestyle modifications to help lower blood pressure.
• Some nifedipine tablets are made with a special shell that isn’t absorbed by the body. You may notice part of the tablet in your stool.

Do not take Procardia if you have severe coronary artery disease or a recent heart attack.

Chest pain may worsen when you start taking Procardia. Contact your doctor if chest pain is ongoing or severe.

Before taking Procardia, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Kidney disease
• COPD
• Congestive heart failure

Procardia may interact with other drugs, especially antidepressants, antibiotics, antifungals, heart and blood pressure medication, HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C drugs.

Common side effects of Procardia include:

• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Nausea or heartburn
• Weakness, headache, mood change
• Tremors or muscle cramps
• Cough, sore throat, wheezing, stuffy nose

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Heart attack symptoms – spreading chest pain or pressure, nausea, sweating
• Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in chest
• Feeling light-headed or passing out
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Worsening chest pain
• Jaundice or upper abdominal pain

What foods should I avoid while taking Procardia?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice contain an enzyme that alters the way Procardia works. Alcohol may increase side effects like dizziness. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes to help further lower your blood pressure.