Nicardia 20 mg Tablet

Nicardia 20 mg Tablet contains 20 mg of nifedipine in each tablet. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class and is used to help lower blood pressure and reduce chest pain (angina) by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. This prescription tablet is used for heart and blood pressure conditions when a clinician decides nifedipine is appropriate. Nicardia 20 mg Tablet is a higher-strength tablet than some lower-dose nifedipine products, so it should be taken only as directed by a doctor.

How it works: Nifedipine blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells in blood vessel walls, which helps the vessels relax and widen. In tablet form, Nicardia 20 mg Tablet is swallowed and absorbed to produce a systemic effect that can lower blood pressure and ease the heart’s workload.

Nicardia 20 mg Tablet provides 20 mg of nifedipine per tablet, which is a meaningful dose for patients whose doctor has already assessed the need for this strength. Compared with lower-dose nifedipine tablets, this strength may be chosen when a clinician wants a stronger blood pressure or anti-anginal effect, so dosing should be individualized rather than started on your own.

• High blood pressure
• Angina (chest pain)
• Vascular spasm related symptoms
• Blood pressure control as prescribed by a doctor

• Swallow Nicardia 20 mg Tablet by mouth with water unless your doctor gives different instructions.
• Take it exactly at the same time each day if it is prescribed regularly.
• Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet unless your pharmacist or prescriber specifically tells you to.
• If it upsets your stomach, ask your doctor whether taking it with food is appropriate for you.
• Stand up slowly after taking it, especially when you first start treatment or after a dose change.

Each Nicardia 20 mg Tablet provides 20 mg of nifedipine. The dosing schedule depends on why it is being used and how you respond, and your doctor may prescribe it once daily or more often; the exact frequency and maximum daily dose must be set by your prescriber based on your condition and response. Do not take extra tablets to make up a missed dose or to get faster relief unless your doctor has told you to do so.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Nifedipine may include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Flushing
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Nausea
• Constipation

• Nicardia 20 mg Tablet can lower blood pressure too much, so it may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up quickly.
• Use caution if you have heart disease, a recent heart attack, heart failure, or very low blood pressure.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless your clinician says it is okay, because it can raise nifedipine levels.
• Alcohol may worsen dizziness and blood pressure lowering effects.
• Tell your doctor if you take nitrates or other blood pressure medicines, since the combination can cause a bigger drop in blood pressure.
• Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Nicardia 20 mg Tablet affects you.
• This is a higher-strength tablet, so do not adjust the dose on your own even if you feel better.

• Nitrates such as nitroglycerin
• Other blood pressure medicines, including beta blockers and alpha blockers
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, ketoconazole, and ritonavir
• CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Store Nicardia 20 mg Tablet at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light, and keep it in its original strip or box until use.