Description
Procardia XL has three main indications:
- Vasospastic Angina Management:
- Used to manage vasospastic angina confirmed by various criteria, including classical angina at rest with specific ST-segment elevation, provoked angina or coronary artery spasm by ergonovine, or angiographically confirmed coronary artery spasm.
- Chronic Stable Angina Management:
- Specifically for chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and organic nitrates or for those unable to tolerate these medications.
- Hypertension Treatment:
- Indicated for treating hypertension, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
Dosage and Side Effects
The Nifedipine dosage should be modified based on the requirements of each patient. Nifedipine pills should be taken orally once a day on an empty stomach in accordance with the suggested dosage. The extended-release dose type of nifedipine tablets should be consumed whole; they shouldn’t be split or chewed. Titration should generally begin with 30 mg once daily and continue for 7 to 14 days. Based on the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, upward titration should be done. One daily maintenance dose of 30–60 mg is typical. It is not advised to titrate to dosages greater than 90 mg per day. If stopping nifedipine is necessary, good clinical practice advises reducing the dosage gradually under the direct supervision of a doctor.
The side effects of nifedipine that are most frequently mentioned are headache, dizziness, fatigue, coughing, swelling in the legs, and shortness of breath.
FAQ's
How does Nifedipine work to treat angina and hypertension?
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels, allowing smoother blood flow, which helps in treating angina (chest pain) by reducing the workload on the heart and controlling high blood pressure.
What are the potential risks associated with using Nifedipine?
Some potential risks include the possibility of excessive hypotension (low blood pressure), increased angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack), and gastrointestinal obstruction, although these occur rarely.
Is there a risk of worsened heart conditions or heart failure with Nifedipine use?
Rarely, patients, especially those already on beta blockers, might develop heart failure after starting Nifedipine. Patients with certain heart conditions, like tight aortic stenosis, might have an increased risk.
Are there any medication interactions to be cautious about with Nifedipine?
Yes, concurrent use of Nifedipine with high-dose fentanyl anesthesia and beta-blocking agents might lead to severe hypotension or increased fluid volume requirements, particularly in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
What kind of side effects or adverse reactions might occur while taking Nifedipine?
Some common side effects include mild to moderate peripheral edema (swelling in the legs), transient elevations in liver enzymes, and rarely, changes in certain blood parameters like platelet aggregation and kidney function tests.