What is/are Afeditab er tablets?
NIFEDIPINE is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain caused by angina. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- heart problems, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat
- have recently stoppped taking a beta-blocker or had a surgery
- liver or kidney disease
- previous heart attack
- an unusual or allergic reaction to nifedipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Use Nifedipine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Nifedipine by mouth with or without food. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Nifedipine. Swallow Nifedipine whole, do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nifedipine.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, 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. Do not share it with other people.
What may interact with this medicine?
- barbiturates, like phenobarbital
- cimetidine
- diuretics
- grapefruit juice
- local or general anesthetics
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
- warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- 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
- reduced amount of urine passed
- tender, bleeding, or swollen gums
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- facial flushing
- headache
- weakness or tiredness
- dizziness
- heartburn
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Nifedipine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Nifedipine 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 Nifedipine . Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly. Use Nifedipine with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: if you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nifedipine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Nifedipine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Nifedipine , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Store at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Nifedipine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
