Nifedipine® Tablets for High Blood Pressure

Nifedipine® is a calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure and chronic angina. You can access Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada, which may help if paying without insurance. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how to use it safely.

What Nifedipine Is and How It Works

This medicine belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. It relaxes vascular smooth muscle by reducing calcium entry through L‑type channels. The result is arterial dilation, lowered peripheral resistance, and reduced myocardial oxygen demand. Extended‑release tablets provide steady, 24‑hour exposure to help maintain consistent blood pressure control and reduce angina episodes.

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Different extended‑release technologies exist. Some use an osmotic push–pull system that slowly delivers the drug through a small orifice. You may notice an intact shell in stool; this is the empty tablet matrix, not an additional dose. Immediate‑release capsules act more quickly on blood vessels but are not appropriate for sudden blood pressure spikes.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with hypertension to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events as part of a broader plan. It is also used for chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina under a clinician’s supervision. When prescribed for Hypertension, therapy is often combined with diet, exercise, and other agents as needed.

Nifedipine for high blood pressure should be avoided in people with known hypersensitivity to the drug. Use caution in severe aortic stenosis, advanced heart failure, or very low baseline blood pressure. For chest pain, discuss suitability if you have significant coronary artery disease. See our overview of Angina for related information.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the exact product label and your prescriber’s instructions. Extended‑release tablets are typically taken once daily at the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with liquid. Do not crush, chew, or split, since altering the dosage form can release too much drug at once. Take consistently with regard to meals according to the specific brand or generic you receive.

When starting or adjusting therapy, your healthcare professional may monitor blood pressure and symptoms and make changes based on response and tolerability. Do not use short‑acting forms for rapid blood pressure reduction. If you notice new or worsening chest pain after initiation or dose increases, seek medical evaluation promptly.

For additional cardiovascular education, see our article Atenolol And Hypertension.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by manufacturer and pharmacy. Common presentations include 24‑hour extended‑release tablets and immediate‑release capsules used for select indications.

Some labels and references may identify branded ER strengths such as Adalat XL 90 mg. Your dispensed product may differ in release mechanism; follow the insert provided with your medication.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered the same day. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up. Try to take the tablet at the same time daily to support steady control and minimize variability.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in the original container with the label intact. Keep them dry, away from heat, and out of reach of children and pets. Avoid excessive humidity in bathrooms. When traveling, carry your medicine in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription and the pharmacy label. Use a pill organizer only if doses remain protected and properly labeled. For longer trips, pack a few extra days’ supply in case of delays.

Benefits

As a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, this therapy helps reduce blood pressure by relaxing arteries. Extended‑release dosing can support 24‑hour coverage with one daily tablet. The class can also reduce vasospastic episodes and improve exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina. Many patients appreciate a consistent schedule and the ability to combine with other antihypertensive classes when necessary.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache: often early and may lessen over time
• Flushing or warmth: related to vasodilation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: especially when standing quickly
• Swelling of ankles or feet: peripheral edema can occur
• Heart pounding or palpitations: transient in some patients
• Nausea or stomach discomfort: generally mild
• Fatigue: may improve with continued use
• Gingival overgrowth: report gum changes to your dentist

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe hypotension, worsening angina or myocardial infarction in patients with advanced coronary disease, and allergic reactions. Seek urgent care for chest pain that is severe or different from usual, fainting, or signs of anaphylaxis. The risk of low blood pressure may be greater when combined with other antihypertensives.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

This medicine is metabolized by CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, certain azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, and HIV protease inhibitors) can raise levels and increase adverse effects. Strong inducers (such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John’s wort) can lower exposure and reduce effectiveness. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase drug levels.

Use caution when combining with other blood pressure agents, as additive effects may occur. If you take beta‑blockers, your clinician may monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely. For broader context on cardiometabolic care, see Managing Diabetes And Hypertension. Always review all medicines and supplements with your prescriber and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood pressure often improves with steady daily use. Some effects may be noticeable within the first days, while the full response can take longer as your regimen is optimized. Adherence is key. Taking doses at the same time, tracking readings, and following your treatment plan can help your clinician judge how well the therapy is working. Report new chest pain, marked swelling, or persistent headaches.

Compare With Alternatives

Dihydropyridine options vary in release systems, titration flexibility, and edema profiles. Amlodipine is a once‑daily option with a long half‑life. Consider Norvasc® if your prescriber recommends a different dihydropyridine. For patients with angina who also need rate control, a non‑dihydropyridine like Verapamil may be considered under supervision. Strengths such as Procardia XL 60 mg illustrate extended‑release options within this class; specific choice should follow label guidance and clinical judgment.

Pricing and Access

Review Nifedipine price against typical cash‑pay rates at local pharmacies. Compare Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada for potential savings on longer fills. Use our site to check availability, view current pricing, and submit your prescription details through our encrypted checkout. If you are seeking discounts, see our latest Promotions for any active offers.

For broader cardiovascular options, browse our Heart Health Medications selection to see related therapies that your prescriber may consider.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and strength. If your preferred presentation is not available, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative or a different release system. Patients seeking Nifedipine from Canada can also ask about equivalent extended‑release products that meet their clinical needs.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults needing once‑daily blood pressure management, with or without additional agents such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics. Those with severe aortic stenosis, very low baseline blood pressure, or certain heart conditions may not be candidates. Always confirm your individual risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.

• Multi‑month fills: reduce trips and often lower per‑tablet costs
• Aligned refills: set reminders to maintain steady therapy
• Consistent dosing: take at the same time each day
• Lifestyle support: follow diet and activity guidance
• Dental care: monitor gums and maintain oral hygiene

For condition education and category browsing, see Hypertension Cardiovascular.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Target goals: what blood pressure range should I aim for?
• Form choice: is extended‑release the best option for me?
• Edema plan: how should ankle swelling be managed if it occurs?
• Food interactions: should I avoid grapefruit completely?
• Combination therapy: which medicines pair safely with this drug?
• Monitoring: how often should I check readings at home?
• Dental health: how to prevent or address gum changes?

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer Procardia XL Prescribing Information

DailyMed: Nifedipine

Health Canada Drug Product Database

You can request this medicine today with US delivery from Canada and express shipping. This information is educational and does not replace your prescriber’s advice.