Nifi-gel 10

Nifedipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.

If you have high blood pressure, taking nifedipine helps to prevent future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Nifedipine is also used to prevent chest pain caused by angina. Occasionally, it is used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon and chilblains.

* To make sure nifedipine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

- Have had an allergic reaction to nifedipine or any other medicine in the past

- Are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding

- Have liver disease

- Have any heart problems (other than high blood pressure), including a recent heart attack, heart failure or unstable angina

- Have diabetes

Directions for use:

Angina

10 mg (conventional) PO q8hr or 30-60 mg (extended release) PO once daily initially; may be increased every 7-14 days PRN

Maintenance: 10-20 mg (conventional) PO q8hr up to 20-30 mg PO q6-8hr; not to exceed 180 mg/day (conventional) or 120 mg/day (extended release)

Hypertension

10 mg (extended release) PO 3 times/day; may be increased every 7-14 days PRN; not to exceed 90 mg/day (Adalat CC) or 120 mg/day (Procardia XL)

Raynaud Phenomenon (Off-label)

5-10 mg (extended release) PO 3 times/day

Side effects

Like all medicines, nifedipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects often improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or last for more than a few days:

Headaches, dizziness, flushing, a pounding heartbeat, swollen ankles, constipation

Warning:

- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking nifedipine. It can make side effects worse

- Use with caution in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and outflow tract obstruction; reduction in afterload may worsen symptoms associated with this condition

Pregnancy:

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Lactation: Drug is distributed into breast milk; manufacturer suggests discontinuing drug or refraining from nursing (however, American Academy of Pediatrics states that drug is safe for nursing)

Storage:

Keep in a dry place & Store below 25°C.

Keep out of reach of the children.