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Nifedipine (Procardia XL®, Adalat CC®) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in children who have undergone liver transplantation.
Nifedipine is a calcium-channel blocker. It blocks the movement of calcium into the heart muscle and blood vessels. As a result, the heart muscle relaxes and blood vessels open (dilate), lowering blood pressure.
Nifedipine is usually taken by mouth. It is available as capsules and tablets. Procardia XL®, Adalat CC® are extended-release tablets that available in 30-, 60-, and 90-mg doses.
Nifedipine can be taken with or without food. Your child should swallow the tablet whole without chewing, breaking or crushing it. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice one hour before or two hours after taking nifedipine.
If your child misses a dose of nifedipine, take it as soon as you or your child remembers. If the time is within two hours of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your child’s usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Common nifedipine side effects that may occur but should disappear as your child’s body adjusts to the medication include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially during the first few days). Getting up slowly helps minimize dizziness.
Rare side effects include:
If your child has trouble with any of these, inform your transplant doctor or transplant coordinator.
Note: The empty tablet shell may appear in your child’s stool. Do not be concerned; the medication has already been absorbed into his or her body.
Tell your coordinator and/or pharmacist about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications your child is taking, so you can be warned of undesirable interactions and prevent them.
Nifedipine is readiliy available at most pharmacies. Commonly, we use Amlodipine and Isradipine as substitutions.
Drug information changes periodically. For the most updated information on drugs, visit www.drugs.com.
Learn more about other Liver Transplant Drugs.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
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Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.