Nifedipine (Procardia XL, Adalat)

Nifedipine is a prescription calcium channel blocker used for certain blood-vessel and heart-related conditions. This page explains common uses, typical forms, and practical safety points for people accessing therapy through a referral service, including US shipping from Canada and cash-pay options for those without insurance. It also summarizes storage, interaction cautions, and the kinds of questions to review with a prescriber.

What Nifedipine Is and How It Works

This medicine belongs to the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker class (a blood-vessel relaxer). By limiting calcium entry into smooth muscle in artery walls, it helps arteries widen. That can lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. In some people, it also helps prevent certain types of chest discomfort linked to reduced blood flow or artery spasm. Effects can differ between immediate-release and extended-release forms because drug levels rise and fall differently.

Some formulations are designed to release medication over many hours to provide steadier control. That long-acting design is often chosen when consistent day-to-day control is needed, while shorter-acting forms are generally taken more than once daily. CanadianInsulin may confirm prescription details with the prescriber when required.

Who It’s For

Clinicians commonly prescribe this therapy for high blood pressure (hypertension) and for certain angina types, including chronic stable angina and vasospastic angina (spasm-related chest pain). For condition-specific browsing, see Hypertension and Angina. In some settings, it is also used for circulation symptoms in cold-exposed fingers or toes, such as Raynaud Phenomenon, which may be an off-label use depending on the country and product label.

This medication is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally avoided in people with known allergy to the active ingredient or to certain formulation components. Extra caution may be needed in conditions where a drop in blood pressure can be risky, such as significant aortic stenosis (a narrowed heart valve), advanced heart failure, or severe low blood pressure. Other cardiovascular options are listed in the Cardiovascular hub, which groups related prescription treatments by type.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing schedules depend on the product form and the indication on the prescription. Extended-release tablets are commonly taken once daily, while immediate-release forms may be prescribed in divided doses. Tablets labeled as 24-hour or extended-release are intended to be swallowed whole, since altering them can change how quickly medicine is released. Administration with food versus on an empty stomach can vary by product label, so the pharmacy label and product information are the safest references for timing.

Nifedipine is typically continued long term when used for blood pressure control, with periodic follow-up to assess response and tolerability. Monitoring often includes home blood pressure readings and checks for ankle swelling or dizziness, especially during dose changes. For broader context on blood pressure medicines and monitoring discussions, see How Bystolic Helps Control.

Why it matters: Extended-release tablets should not be crushed or split unless the label states otherwise.

Strengths and Forms

Several formulations exist, and appearance can vary by manufacturer. Common extended-release products are available as tablets intended to last all day, including Nifedipine ER 30 mg tablets and other long-acting strengths used for ongoing control. Some people may recognize brand names such as Procardia XL or Adalat medication, but the exact brand name for nifedipine dispensed can differ based on what the pharmacy sources and what the prescription specifies.

Strength selection is individualized by the prescriber and depends on the condition being treated, other medicines, and how blood pressure responds. Extended-release tablets are commonly labeled 30 mg, 60 mg, or 90 mg, and may be described as 24-hour tablets on packaging. Immediate-release products exist in some markets and are usually taken more than once per day. Availability can vary by pharmacy and region, and substitutions depend on local rules and prescriber authorization.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature unless the pharmacy label states otherwise. Protect the container from heat, moisture, and direct light, since these can degrade many solid oral medicines. Keep the medication in the original, labeled packaging so the product name, strength, and directions remain available for reference. If a blister pack is supplied, leaving tablets sealed until use can also help reduce moisture exposure.

For travel, carry the labeled container in a hand bag rather than a checked suitcase, where temperature swings can be larger. When crossing borders, documentation such as a copy of the prescription can help with screening questions. The Cardiovascular Articles section includes practical overviews of common heart and blood pressure therapies that may be useful when assembling a medication list for appointments.

Quick tip: Keep an updated list of medicines and doses in a wallet or phone.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects are often related to blood-vessel widening. Common effects can include headache, flushing, dizziness, tiredness, and swelling of the ankles or feet (peripheral edema). Some people notice mild nausea or a warm sensation shortly after dosing, especially when starting therapy. These effects may lessen as the body adjusts, but persistent symptoms should be reviewed with a clinician, since they can overlap with signs of excessive blood pressure lowering.

Less common but more serious concerns include fainting, severe low blood pressure, worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or trouble breathing. Nifedipine can also cause noticeable ankle swelling that may require reassessment of the regimen. Orders are dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies after referral processing is completed. For a related discussion of cardiovascular side-effect questions that often come up during medication changes, see Acebutolol Uses Benefits.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

This therapy is primarily metabolized through CYP3A4 (a drug-processing liver enzyme). Strong inhibitors of this pathway can raise medication levels, while strong inducers can lower them. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also affect CYP3A4 in the gut and may change exposure for some products. Other blood pressure agents, alcohol, and medicines that affect heart function can add to blood-pressure lowering, so prescribers often review the complete medication list before starting or adjusting therapy.

Cautions are also relevant for people with liver disease, since impaired metabolism may increase exposure. During surgery or dental procedures, anesthesia plans may need to account for blood pressure effects, so it helps for the care team to know all current prescriptions. For another cardiovascular medicine overview that highlights interaction-style considerations and monitoring themes, see What Is Persantine.

Compare With Alternatives

Within the calcium channel blocker class, options differ in how they affect blood vessels and the heart. Dihydropyridines (such as this therapy) tend to have stronger effects on peripheral arteries, while non-dihydropyridines like verapamil and diltiazem can also slow heart rate and affect conduction. For some indications, clinicians may also consider other antihypertensive classes, including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics, depending on comorbidities and the overall treatment plan.

Formulation choice can also be an alternative pathway. A long-acting tablet may be used to support steadier daily control and simpler schedules compared with shorter-acting products, but the best option depends on the prescription and label. The product listing for Nifedipine XR describes an extended-release presentation that may be relevant when a prescriber specifies a long-acting form. For additional background on how beta blockers fit into blood pressure care discussions, see Atenolol And Hypertension.

Pricing and Access

Total out-of-pocket costs can vary based on formulation (immediate versus extended-release), brand versus generic selection, and the quantity dispensed. Nifedipine is a prescription medicine, so a valid prescription is required and the written directions determine what can be dispensed. Some people compare cash-pay ranges using public tools (such as GoodRx) to understand retail variation, but pharmacy dispensing rules and available manufacturers may differ between countries.

CanadianInsulin facilitates access through a referral workflow and may request additional documentation when prescriptions require confirmation. Cash-pay access supports those who lack coverage. Program updates, if offered, are listed on the Promotions page. For people managing multiple cardiovascular medicines, focusing on consistent refills and clear labeling can reduce avoidable gaps in therapy.

Authoritative Sources

For prescribing decisions and patient counseling, the most reliable details come from official labeling and established drug-information references. These sources provide standardized descriptions of indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and interaction mechanisms. They can also clarify differences between immediate-release and extended-release products, which is especially important when similar names exist across manufacturers.

For a neutral drug overview and key safety notes, consult MedlinePlus drug information for nifedipine. For label-focused references used by clinicians and pharmacists, review DailyMed labeling search results. These references should be read alongside the pharmacy label provided with the dispensed product.

For account setup, refill coordination, or documentation upload, submit the required information to arrange prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.