Information about Nifedipine (Generic Adalat) :


Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocking agent that used to treat certain kinds of angina (chest pain). It relaxes the blood vessels and helps heart to beat with less force and pump out less blood. In that way heart may beat more slowly and more regularly. Calcium channel blockers widen the arteries of the heart and other arteries. It helps to reduce angina chest pain and reduce elevated blood pressure, and stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Nifedipine in case you are allergic to any ingredient in Nifedipine.
In such case it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Nifedipine:
Before using Nifedipine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have heart valve problems, heart failure, heart shock, heart disease, had a heart attack, swelling of the hands or feet, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, or fluid in your lungs; you have recently had or will be having surgery, or if you have recently stopped taking a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol).

Be aware that Nifedipine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, or rifampin because they may decrease Nifedipine 's effectiveness; beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cimetidine, cyclosporine, fluconazole, fluoxetine, imatinib, itraconazole, ketanserin, magnesium salts (eg, injectable magnesium sulfate), quinazolines (eg, metolazone), quinidine, or ranitidine because side effects, including very low blood pressure, may occur; beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cyclosporine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), ketanserin, lithium, theophylline, vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased; quinidine, theophylline, or vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Nifedipine.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Nifedipine:
Use Nifedipine as recommended by your health care provider. It should be taken orally with or without food. It is not recommended to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you take Nifedipine. You should swallow Nifedipine whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.

In case you miss a dose of Nifedipine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Nifedipine usage may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worsened by taking alcohol or certain medicines. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly dangerous actions.

It is important to brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly, as proper dental care is a must while you are using Nifedipine.

The ELDERLY are likely to be more sensitive to Nifedipine effects. Use it with caution in this group.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Nifedipine while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Nifedipine passes into breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding a baby while you take Nifedipine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Nifedipine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: constipation; dizziness; flushing; giddiness; headache; heat sensation; heartburn; lightheadedness; nausea; weakness.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irregular pulse; shortness of breath; swelling of the feet or hands; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.