Procardia

Other Names: Adalat, Afeditab, Nifeditab, Nifedical, Nifedipine.

Commonly Prescribed For: Procardia is generally prescribed for treating high blood pressure. This medication can also be used for controlling chest pain. Procardia is commonly used with other medications.

How to Take it: Procardia is available in the form of a capsule, and as a long-acting tablet to be taken via mouth. This medication is normally taken 3 to 4 times every day. The extended-release tablet is taken once every day, 1 hour before or two hours after taking meals, on an empty stomach. Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablets, instead swallow the tablets entirely. Take this medication as prescribed, around the same time daily.

How it Works: Procardia belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium-channel blockers. This medication works to relax the blood vessels so your heart doesn’t require pumping very hard. Procardia is said to increase oxygen and blood supply to your heart.

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, decreased sexual ability, nausea, cough, dizziness or lightheadedness, constipation, feeling of warmth, muscle cramps, and heartburn. Some serious side effects include inflammation of the face, lips, feet, or lower legs, severity of chest pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, yellowing of the skin, and fainting.