Nifedipine XR Tablets for Hypertension

This extended-release calcium channel blocker helps manage hypertension and chronic angina. The sections below cover uses, dosing, safety, and practical tips. You can compare options for 30 mg without insurance, with US delivery from Canada.

What Nifedipine Is and How It Works

Nifedipine XR® is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker in an extended-release tablet. It inhibits L-type calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle, leading to arterial dilation. That relaxation lowers systemic vascular resistance and reduces afterload. The class can also help lessen episodes of vasospastic or effort-related chest discomfort.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine is intended for chronic control of blood pressure, not for emergency reduction. Immediate-release capsules are not appropriate for urgent hypertension. Extended-release tablets provide gradual exposure over the dosing interval. Consistent daily use supports controlled blood pressure and reduced angina frequency under routine care.

Terminology varies by label. You may see ER, XR, XL, CC, or prolonged-release, which refer to modified-release tablets designed for once-daily use. Formulations differ in release mechanisms, so follow the specific product instructions supplied with your prescription.

Who It’s For

This treatment is used in adults for the management of hypertension. It may also be used for chronic stable or vasospastic angina as directed by a clinician. People with symptomatic hypotension, severe aortic stenosis, or cardiogenic shock should not use this therapy. Those with advanced hepatic impairment or heart failure may require closer monitoring. Older adults can be more sensitive to blood pressure changes.

Brand names differ by region; for example, Nicardia XR 30 appears in some markets. Your prescription in our catalog will follow Canadian labeling and approved formulations. To explore related options by condition, visit High Blood Pressure.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the product leaflet. A common initial regimen is Nifedipine ER 30 mg once daily. Swallow the tablet whole with fluid. Do not crush, split, or chew. If the tablet uses a nonabsorbable shell, you may notice an inert “ghost” in the stool; the medicine has already been released.

Take at the same time each day. Some labels recommend taking on an empty stomach, while others permit dosing without regard to meals; follow your dispensed product instructions. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase drug exposure. Check your home blood pressure log regularly unless your prescriber advises otherwise.

If a change in dizziness or ankle swelling occurs after a dose increase, contact your healthcare professional. Do not stop the treatment abruptly unless your clinician instructs you to do so.

Strengths and Forms

Extended-release tablets are commonly available in multiple strengths. Availability can vary by manufacturer and pharmacy. Many patients transition between strengths during titration under a clinician’s supervision. A typical selection includes Nifedipine XR 60 mg among other options.

• 30 mg extended-release tablets
• 60 mg extended-release tablets
• 90 mg extended-release tablets

Labels may reference XL or prolonged-release for the same modified-release concept. Some strengths may be temporarily out of stock, and packaging or imprinting can vary by supplier.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up to catch up. Keep a simple reminder system to support consistent daily use.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Use the original labeled bottle during travel. If you fly, place your medicine in your carry-on, and bring a copy of your prescription or pharmacy label. Time zones can shift administration times; maintain a consistent schedule based on your prescriber’s guidance. Our partner pharmacies use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This medicine provides once-daily dosing convenience for blood pressure control in many adults. The class is well established, with long clinical experience for hypertension and certain angina syndromes. Extended-release design may smooth peak-to-trough concentrations compared with immediate-release forms. Generic availability can help reduce overall therapy costs.

Cardiovascular risk reduction often involves multiple tools. Your clinician may pair blood pressure management with lipid control, lifestyle changes, and smoking cessation support. To learn more about statin therapy in general, see Lipitor Uses.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Facial flushing or warmth
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Peripheral edema, especially ankles
• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Nausea or heartburn
• Gingival overgrowth

Serious but less common effects can include marked hypotension, syncope, or worsening chest pain upon initiation or rapid dose escalation. Rare events include myocardial ischemia or arrhythmias, especially in high-risk individuals. Seek urgent care for severe chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath. Use caution when rising from sitting or lying positions to minimize dizziness.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise exposure (for example, certain macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, and some HIV therapies). Potent CYP3A4 inducers may reduce exposure (such as rifampin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin). Avoid grapefruit products due to interaction potential. Additive blood pressure effects may occur with other antihypertensives. If you also take a beta blocker like Bisoprolol Zebeta, your prescriber will consider combined effects. Liver impairment, older age, and severe coronary artery disease may require additional monitoring.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood pressure usually changes gradually with consistent dosing. Your clinician may adjust the strength to reach individualized goals. Keep a home log and bring it to appointments. Report new or worsening swelling, dizziness, or chest discomfort promptly. Adherence tools like alarms, pill organizers, and travel packs can help maintain steady use.

Compare With Alternatives

Other calcium channel blockers are available. Amlodipine is a once-daily dihydropyridine often considered for hypertension management; see Norvasc. Non-dihydropyridines may be used when heart rate effects are desired or tolerated; for instance, Verapamil. Diltiazem is another option in the same broader class. Your prescriber will match therapy to your history, co-morbid conditions, and tolerability.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can be competitive for many generics, with US delivery from Canada. If you pay cash, review the Nifedipine XR cash price on the product page. Savings vary by strength, supplier, and formulary alternatives. Use the product filters to compare strengths and manufacturers. Browse related options in Heart Health Medications. For the latest availability, check the item page before you place your order.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can change. If a particular strength is unavailable, your prescriber may suggest a clinically suitable alternative or temporary substitution. Pharmacies may dispense a comparable manufacturer when appropriate. Some orders may use generics labeled with different release descriptors (XR, ER, XL, CC) according to the approved product. When clinically appropriate, Generic Nifedipine XR 30 mg may be used as part of initial therapy under a clinician’s direction.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who need once-daily control of hypertension or specific angina indications. It may not be ideal for people with symptomatic low blood pressure, severe aortic stenosis, or acute decompensated heart failure. Discuss liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and all medicines and supplements you take.

• Multi-month supply: Ask your prescriber about 60- or 90-day fills to reduce pharmacy fees.
• Consistent brand/source: Sticking with one supplier can limit variability in appearance.
• Home BP log: Track readings to support dose decisions and avoid unnecessary visits.
• Refill reminders: Set alerts so you don’t run out during travel.
• Lifestyle pairing: Diet, exercise, and reduced sodium reinforce therapy effects.

For broader condition-focused browsing, see Hypertension Cardiovascular.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting strength: Which tablet strength should I begin with and why?
• Monitoring plan: How often should I check blood pressure at home?
• Side effects: What signs mean I should call the clinic promptly?
• Food and timing: Should I take my dose with meals or on an empty stomach?
• Other medicines: Are any of my medicines likely to interact?
• Activity: Are there precautions for exercise or heat exposure?
• Travel: How should I adjust timing across time zones?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Nifedipine Extended-Release

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Professional Monograph: Nifedipine

Order through CanadianInsulin for secure checkout and express shipping with US delivery from Canada. This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional or the official label.