Brand
name: Calcigard
CALCIGARD (Nifedipine, Adalat, Procardia)
Pronounced: pro-CAR-dee-uh
Generic name: Nifedipine
Other brand names: Calcigard XL, Adalat, Adalat CC ,CALCIGARD
(Nifedipine, Adalat, Procardia)
Why is Calcigard prescribed?
Calcigard and Calcigard XL are used to treat angina (chest pain caused
by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries or spasm of
the arteries). Calcigard XL is also used to treat high blood pressure.
Calcigard and Calcigard XL are calcium channel blockers. They ease
the workload of the heart by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the
arteries, allowing them to dilate. This improves blood flow through
the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, and helps
prevent angina. Calcigard XL is taken once a day and provides a steady
rate of medication over a 24-hour period.
Most important fact about Calcigard
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Calcigard XL regularly
for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it
may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Calcigard XL;
and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Calcigard
XL does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Calcigard without Rx / prescriptions?
Calcigard and Calcigard XL should be taken exactly as prescribed by
your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.
Calcigard XL tablets are specially designed to release the medication
into your bloodstream slowly. As a result, something that looks like
a tablet may occasionally appear in your stool. This is normal and
simply means that Calcigard has been released, and the shell that contained
Calcigard has been eliminated from your body.
Calcigard and Calcigard XL tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not
break, crush, or chew.
Calcigard and Calcigard XL can be taken with or without food. Adalat
CC should be taken on an empty stomach.
Do not substitute another brand of nifedipine for Calcigard or Calcigard
XL unless your doctor directs.
Calcigard XL should be taken once a day. You can take it in the morning
or evening, but should hold to the same time each day.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Never take 2 doses at
the same time.
Storage instructions CALCIGARD (Nifedipine, Adalat, Procardia)
Calcigard and Calcigard XL can be stored at room temperature. Protect
from moisture, light, humidity, and excessive heat.
Calcigard side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
whether it is safe for you to continue taking Calcigard or Calcigard
XL.
* Side effects may include:
Constipation, cough, dizziness, fatigue, flushing, giddiness, headache, heartburn,
heat sensation, light-headedness, mood changes, muscle cramps, nasal congestion,
nausea, sore throat, swelling of arms, legs, hands, and feet, tremors, wheezing
Why should Calcigard not be prescribed?
Calcigard should not be used if you have ever had an allergic reaction
to it or are sensitive to it or other calcium channel blockers (Adalat,
Calan, others). Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions
you have experienced.
Special warnings about Calcigard
Calcigard and Calcigard XL may cause your blood pressure to become
too low, which may make you feel light-headed or faint. This is more
likely to happen when you start taking Calcigard and when the amount
you take is increased. It is also more likely to occur if you are also
taking a beta-blocker heart medication such as Tenormin or Inderal.
Your doctor should check your blood pressure when you start taking
Calcigard or Calcigard XL and continue monitoring it while your dosage
is being adjusted.
Calcigard XL can be used for high blood pressure; plain Calcigard
should be used only for angina--NOT for high blood pressure.
Do not take Calcigard for the first week or two following a heart
attack, or if you are in danger of a heart attack.
There is a remote possibility of experiencing increased angina when
you start taking Calcigard or Calcigard XL, or when your dosage is
increased. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
You may have angina pain if you suddenly stop taking beta blockers
when beginning Calcigard therapy. Your doctor will taper you off the
other drug.
If you have tight aortic stenosis (a narrowing of the aortic valve
that obstructs blood flow from the heart to the body) and have been
taking a beta blocker, your doctor will monitor you carefully while
you are taking Calcigard or Calcigard XL.
If you develop swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, your doctor
can prescribe a diuretic (water pill) to relieve the problem.
Calcigard XL should be used cautiously if you have any stomach or
intestinal narrowing.
Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Calcigard if you
have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.
This drug is not recommended for use in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Calcigard
If Calcigard or Calcigard XL is taken with certain other drugs, the
effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is
especially important to check with your doctor before combining Calcigard
or Calcigard XL with the following:
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
Taking Calcigard with grapefruit juice can dramatically increase the
effect of the drug. Do not combine the two.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Calcigard and Calcigard XL during pregnancy have not
been adequately studied, although new animal research points to possible
birth defects in humans. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant,
inform your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Calcigard or
Calcigard XL appears in breast milk and can affect a nursing infant.
If Calcigard is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you
to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Calcigard
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
* Symptoms of Calcigard overdose may include:
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, severe drop in blood pressure, slurred speech,
weakness
