Procardia belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication is used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. This medication may also be used to treat a certain blood circulation disorder (Raynaud's syndrome).

Take Procardia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with or without food. Swallow this medication whole. The recommended starting dose for treating chest pain (angina) is 10 mg three times daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase your dose (up to 30 mg four times daily) to control your chest pain.

Before taking Procardia you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, upcoming surgery, aortic stenosis, kidney disease, liver disease, any allergies. The elderly people appear to be more sensitive to the medication. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication.

You should not take Procardia if you are allergic to it, nifedipine, or any of the inactive components of the drug. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have dizziness, flushing, weakness, swelling ankles or feet, headache, fast or slow heartbeats, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, psychosis, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), insomnia, nausea, constipation, increased urination. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: cimetidine, antibiotics or antifungals (ketoconazole, telithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin), beta blockers (betaxolol, propranolol, metoprolol), digoxin, heart rhythm medications (quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone), nefazodone, protease inhibitors (atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, amprenavir), seizure medications (phenytoin, felbamate, carbamazepine), blood thinners (heparin, enoxaparin, warfarin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

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