Nifedipine (Procardia XL®, Adalat CC®) Uses and Side Effects

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What Is Nifedipine?

Nifedipine (Procardia XL®, Adalat CC®) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in children who have undergone liver transplantation.

Action

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 Dosage

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.

How to Properly Take Nifedipine

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.

Missed Doses

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.

Nifedipine Side Effects

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.

Bloating
Heartburn
Nausea
Blurred vision
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Headache
Flushing
Sweating
Sleep disturbances

Rare side effects include:

Breathing difficulties
Swelling of the hands or feet
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Tender bleeding or swollen gums
Shortness of breath
Constipation

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.

Nifedipine Drug Interactions

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 Availability

Nifedipine is readiliy available at most pharmacies. Commonly, we use Amlodipine and Isradipine as substitutions.

Learn more about other Liver Transplant Drugs.