Nicardia Retard

Nicardia Retard (Nifedipine) is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It widens your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload. It is used to lower hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain).

Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking to your physician, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse. Store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Take Nicardia Retard (Nifedipine) exactly as directed by your physician. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or physician to explain them to you.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Nicardia Retard (Nifedipine) and contact your physician immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
• severe dizziness or fainting;
• psychosis;
• yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); or
• swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Nicardia Retard (Nifedipine) and talk to your physician if you experience:

• headache, fatigue, or tiredness;
• flushing;
• insomnia;
• vivid or abnormal dreams;
• nausea or constipation; or
• increased urination.

Before taking Nicardia Retard (Nifedipine), tell your physician if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking this medicine.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with this medication. This drug can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your physician.