Product Details: Procardia XL (Nifedipine XL)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Some brands are also used to control angina (chest pain). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Check with your pharmacist to see if your brand may be taken with food. AVOID DRINKING GRAPEFRUIT JUICE while taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. WHILE YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE, carefully brush and floss your teeth to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, constipation, flushing, nausea, or heartburn. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. With some brands of this medicine, inactive parts of the drug may be passed in your stool as a harmless soft mass that may look like the original tablet. This is normal for this drug. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; irregular pulse; shortness of breath; or swelling of the feet or hands. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Nifedipine XL