What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in
normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but
does not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and
which side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- breathing difficulty, coughing, or wheezing
- constipation
- diarrhea
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- flushing and feeling of warmth
- headache
- irregular or fast, pounding, heartbeat
- mood changes or nervousness
- muscle cramps or trembling
- nausea or heartburn
- skin rash
- swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you
begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this
medication.
Congestive heart failure: Rarely, congestive heart failure develops
after starting treatment with nifedipine. Thus most often occurs in people already
taking a beta-blocker.
Increased angina or heart attack: People with severe heart disease may
rarely develop worsening angina or experience a heart attack when starting nifedipine
or increasing the dose. The short-acting forms of nifedipine (e.g., immediate
release, PA) should not be taken in the first 2 weeks after a heart attack or
by people with acute coronary syndromes (a type of heart problem which may lead
to a heart attack).
Liver disease: People with liver disease should be cautious while taking nifedipine as they
may experience increased effects.
Low blood pressure: Nifedipine should be used cautiously by people prone to low blood pressure. Blood pressure may occasionally drop more than expected when starting nifedipine.
Be alert for any lightheadedness, dizziness, or a faster-than-normal heart
rate. Move slowly when changing from a lying to an upright position. If your
blood pressure drops too low, your doctor will adjust your dose or try another
medication.
Stomach disorders: People with certain stomach disorders (e.g., narrowing
of the gastrointestinal tract) should be closely followed by their doctor when
using this medication.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your doctor that you
are taking this medication.
Swelling of ankles, feet, and lower legs: Swelling (edema) occurs in
higher frequency as the dose of nifedipine is increased. For people with congestive
heart failure, the doctor will need to identify whether the symptoms are from
the medication or the medical condition.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless
the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication,
stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If taking nifedipine
is considered essential, stop breast-feeding.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of nifedipine.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop taking
one of them. The following medications may affect the way nifedipine works, be
affected by nifedipine, or increase the risk of side effects:
- barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
- beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol)
- cimetidine
- digoxin
- melatonin
- grapefruit juice
- quinidine
- rifampin
- tacrolimuse
- warfarin
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.