What Is Nifedipine?
Nifedipine (Procardia XL®, Adalat CC®) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in children who have undergone liver transplantation.
Action
Nifedipine is a calcium-channel blocker. It blocks the movement of calcium into the heart muscle and blood vessels. As a result, the heart muscle relaxes and blood vessels open (dilate), lowering blood pressure.
Nifedipine Dosage
Nifedipine is usually taken by mouth. It is available as capsules and tablets. Procardia XL®, Adalat CC® are extended-release tablets that available in 30-, 60-, and 90-mg doses.
How to Properly Take Nifedipine
Nifedipine can be taken with or without food. Your child should swallow the tablet whole without chewing, breaking or crushing it. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice one hour before or two hours after taking nifedipine.
Missed Doses
If your child misses a dose of nifedipine, take it as soon as you or your child remembers. If the time is within two hours of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your child’s usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Nifedipine Side Effects
Common nifedipine side effects that may occur but should disappear as your child’s body adjusts to the medication include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially during the first few days). Getting up slowly helps minimize dizziness.
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Headache
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Sleep disturbances
Rare side effects include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Tender bleeding or swollen gums
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
If your child has trouble with any of these, inform your transplant doctor or transplant coordinator.
Note: The empty tablet shell may appear in your child’s stool. Do not be concerned; the medication has already been absorbed into his or her body.
Nifedipine Drug Interactions
Tell your coordinator and/or pharmacist about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications your child is taking, so you can be warned of undesirable interactions and prevent them.
Nifedipine Availability
Nifedipine is readiliy available at most pharmacies. Commonly, we use Amlodipine and Isradipine as substitutions.
