Procardia (Nifedipine)

Procardia (Nifedipine) is
an antianginal medication classified as pharmacological agents – the calcium
channel blockers. It treats the coronary heart disease,
accompanied by angina attacks. It locks calcium channels, inhibits the
transmembrane intake of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of arterial
vessels. Procardia
(Nifedipine) expands
peripheral, mainly arterial, vessels, lowers blood pressure. Increases coronary
blood flow, reduces heart rate, heart function and myocardial oxygen demand. It
improves myocardial function and helps to reduce the size of the heart in
chronic heart failure. Some evidence suggests that the use of Procardia (Nifedipine) for
nephrogenic hypertension slows the progression of renal failure.

Indication for use

Procardia
(Nifedipine) can be taken by almost all adults and teenagers over
18 who have:

·       Arterial
hypertension,

·       ischemic heart
disease: chronic angina pectoris stable, angina pectoris vasospastic
(Prinzmetal angina pectoris).

Precautions

Procardia
(Nifedipine)  is not recommended to use
if you have: hypersensitivity to nifedipine or to any other component of the
medication; cardiogenic shock; narrowing of the aortic valve; arterial
hypotension; heart failure; tachycardia; porphyria; combination with
rifampicin; unstable angina pectoris; inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s
disease; pregnancy; period of breastfeeding.

Dose and usage

Procardia (Nifedipine): 10 mg – orange, elongated
tablets or capsules; 30mg – peach, round, small, flat tablets; 60mg – peach, round,
medium flat tablets; 90 mg – peach, round, big , flat tablets.

Before taking this medication consult with your attending physician.

The starting dose is one 10 mg
capsule, swallowed whole, 3 times/day. In case of  coronary artery spasm- 20–30 mg three or four
times daily.  Doses above 120 mg daily are rarely necessary. More than 180
mg per day is not recommended. In most cases treatment  should proceed over a 7–14 day period .

Side effects

The following side effects can be observed: redness of
the skin of the face, headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, swelling of the
lower extremities, lowering blood pressure.

If you observe some health disorder , waste no time –
inform your doctor as soon as possible.