DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets (nye-FED-ih-peen)
Brand Name: Examples include Adalat CC and Procardia XL

Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets is used for:

Treating high blood pressure. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets is a calcium channel blocking agent. It works by interfering with the normal action of calcium in blood vessel constriction (relaxes the blood vessels) and heart muscle contraction (heart may beat with less force and pump out less blood) and nerve conduction in the heart (heart may beat more slowly and more regularly). Calcium channel blockers are used to dilate (widen) the arteries of the heart and other arteries (reduce angina chest pain and reduce elevated blood pressure) and stabilize the heart rhythm in conditions in which the heart is beating too fast or in an irregular rhythm (antiarrhythmic effects).

Do NOT use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets:

Some medical conditions may interact with Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart valve problems, heart failure, heart shock, heart disease, swelling of the hands or feet, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, or fluid in your lungs, or if you have had a heart attack
• if you have recently had or will be having surgery, or have recently stopped taking a beta-blocker (eg, propranolol)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, or rifampin because they may decrease Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets's effectiveness
• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cimetidine, cyclosporine, fluconazole, fluoxetine, imatinib, itraconazole, ketanserin, magnesium salts (eg, injectable magnesium sulfate), quinazolines (eg, metolazone), quinidine, or ranitidine because side effects, including very low blood pressure, may occur
• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cyclosporine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), ketanserin, lithium, theophylline, or vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
• Quinidine, theophylline, or vinca alkaloids (eg, vincristine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets:

Use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Check with your pharmacist to see if your brand may be taken with food.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets.
• Swallow Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• If you miss a dose of Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets.

Important safety information:

• Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Proper dental care is important while you are taking Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• You may notice undissolved parts of Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets in your stool with some brands of Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
• Use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. It is not known if Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dizziness; flushing; giddiness; headache; heartburn; heat sensation; lightheadedness; nausea; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irregular pulse; shortness of breath; swelling of the feet or hands; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; fainting; loss of consciousness; rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat.

Proper storage of Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets:

Store Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Adalat CC Sustained-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.