Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet

Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet is a nifedipine extended-release tablet used to help treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). Each tablet contains 30 mg of nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and helps the heart work more easily. This can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure over time. Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet is the 30 mg strength made for once-daily extended release, so it is not the same as an immediate-release nifedipine tablet.

How it works: Nifedipine in Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells in blood vessel walls, which helps the vessels relax and widen. In this extended-release tablet, the medicine is released slowly through the day to give steadier control of blood pressure and angina.

Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet is a moderate-strength extended-release option that may suit adults who need steady blood pressure or angina control and are already being assessed for nifedipine therapy. Because it releases medicine slowly, it is meant for ongoing control rather than quick relief of sudden chest pain, and a doctor may choose this strength when a lower dose is not enough or when gradual dosing is preferred.

• High blood pressure
• Chronic stable angina
• Angina due to coronary artery spasm
• Long-term blood pressure control

• Swallow Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
• Take it exactly as prescribed, usually once daily, at the same time each day.
• You may take it with or without food, but be consistent from day to day.
• Do not take it for sudden chest pain; use the rescue medicine your doctor prescribed for that purpose.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up.
• You may notice the tablet shell in your stool; this can happen with extended-release tablets and does not mean the dose was not absorbed.

Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet provides 30 mg of nifedipine in each extended-release tablet. For many adults, this strength is taken once daily, but the exact schedule and whether it is increased or changed depends on your blood pressure, angina control, and other medicines. Do not exceed the dose your doctor prescribes; the maximum daily amount is set by the prescriber based on your response and tolerance.

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

Common side effects of Nifedipine may include:

• Swelling of the ankles or feet, which can be more noticeable with nifedipine
• Headache
• Flushing or warmth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Nausea
• Fatigue

• This is a higher, prescription-only extended-release strength and should be used only if your doctor has evaluated you for nifedipine therapy.
• Do not use it to treat a sudden angina attack; it is not a rescue medicine.
• Use caution if you have heart failure, very low blood pressure, a history of aortic stenosis, or recent heart attack.
• Alcohol can increase dizziness and blood pressure lowering effects.
• Be careful when driving or standing up quickly, especially when starting treatment or after a dose increase.
• Tell your doctor if you have swelling, severe constipation, or a rapid heartbeat while taking Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice unless your clinician says it is okay, because it can raise nifedipine levels.

• Other blood pressure medicines, especially beta-blockers, diuretics, or ACE inhibitors
• Nitrates such as nitroglycerin, which can further lower blood pressure
• Certain antibiotics or antifungals that raise nifedipine levels, such as clarithromycin or ketoconazole
• Rifampin, which can lower nifedipine levels
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice

Store Nicardia XL 30 mg Tablet at room temperature in its original strip/box, away from moisture, heat, and direct light.