Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR

Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR is an extended-release tablet that contains 10 mg of nifedipine in each tablet. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class and is used to help treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina). By releasing medicine slowly, Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR helps provide steadier control over time. It should be used only as prescribed by a clinician who has assessed your condition.

How it works: Nifedipine relaxes and widens blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's workload. In the Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR form, the tablet is designed to release nifedipine slowly so the effect lasts longer and is more even.

Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR is the lower-strength option in the Nicardia Retard line, compared with Nicardia Retard 20 mg Tablet SR. This smaller 10 mg strength may be chosen when a doctor wants a gentler dose, needs to adjust treatment carefully, or is starting a person on therapy that must be tailored to their blood pressure and symptoms. Because it is an SR tablet, it is meant to release nifedipine gradually rather than all at once.

• High blood pressure
• Chronic stable angina
• Vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina
• Blood pressure control when a lower extended-release dose is needed

• Swallow Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
• Take it exactly at the time your doctor prescribed, usually once daily for sustained-release use unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
• You may take it with or without food, but try to take it the same way each day.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless your doctor says it is okay, because it can change nifedipine levels.
• Stand up slowly, especially when you first start Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR, because dizziness can happen.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up.

Each Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR provides 10 mg of nifedipine in a sustained-release tablet. The exact dosing schedule depends on the condition being treated and how you respond; some people take it once daily, while others may need a different schedule as directed by their doctor. Do not exceed the maximum daily amount your prescriber sets, because the safe total dose is individualized for this 10 mg strength.

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

Common side effects of Nifedipine may include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Palpitations

• Use caution if you have a history of heart failure, low blood pressure, or a recent heart attack.
• Do not take Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR with nitrates or other blood pressure medicines unless your doctor says it is safe.
• Alcohol can increase dizziness or lightheadedness.
• This 10 mg strength may still lower blood pressure enough to cause fainting, especially when standing up quickly.
• Tell your clinician if you have liver disease, because nifedipine may need closer monitoring.
• Do not crush or chew the SR tablet, or the dose may be released too quickly.
• Be careful driving or using machinery until you know how Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR affects you.

• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
• Rifampin
• Other blood pressure medicines, including beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
• Nitrates such as nitroglycerin
• Some antifungal medicines and certain antibiotics that can raise nifedipine levels

Store Nicardia Retard 10 mg Tablet SR in its original strip/box at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.