PROCARDIA XL

Drug Name: PROCARDIA XL

PROCARDIA XL DESCRIPTION:
NIFEDIPINE SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL (nye-FED-ih-peen)

COMMON PROCARDIA XL BRAND NAME(S):
Procardia XL

PROCARDIA XL SIDE EFFECTS:
PROCARDIA XL may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and allow your body to adjust. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, sweating, sleep disturbances, or ankle/foot swelling. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify you doctor promptly for: chest pain, irregular pulse. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially facial), dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PROCARDIA XL:
PROCARDIA XL: Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide or crush. PROCARDIA XL must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking PROCARDIA XL suddenly without talking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

PROCARDIA XL USES:
PROCARDIA XL is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nifedipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina).

PROCARDIA XL PRECAUTIONS:
Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take PROCARDIA XL. Tell your doctor your medical history, including: liver disease, heart disease, any allergies. An empty shell may appear in the stool. This is normal for this drug. However, caution is advised if you have digestive system problems (stricture). Limit using alcohol while taking PROCARDIA XL. Nifedipine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Nifedipine is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports to date of harm to a nursing infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

PROCARDIA XL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially: beta-blockers, digoxin, quinidine, cimetidine, calcium supplements, fentanyl, barbiturates, phenytoin, magnesium sulfate injection, high blood pressure drugs. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PROCARDIA XL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.

PROCARDIA XL NOTES:
Do not share PROCARDIA XL with others.

MISSED PROCARDIA XL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PROCARDIA XL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.