Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Nifedipine Xr.
Diabetes: For people with diabetes, nifedipine may affect their control of blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Nifedipine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nifedipine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed. It may be necessary to check your blood sugar regularly until you know how Nifedipine Xr affects your blood sugar control.
Fertility: Nifedipine Xr may affect male fertility. Talk to your doctor if this is important to you.
Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can increase blood levels of nifedipine. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit before or while you are taking nifedipine.
Heart attack: Immediate-release nifedipine should not be used within one week after a heart attack.
Heart failure: Rarely, nifedipine causes severely decreased blood pressure, making symptoms of heart failure worse for people with severe heart failure. If you have heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Nifedipine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nifedipine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Nifedipine Xr to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Nifedipine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nifedipine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Nifedipine Xr.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low blood pressure: People prone to low blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure frequently while they are taking nifedipine. Blood pressure may occasionally drop more than expected when starting nifedipine. Be alert for any lightheadedness, dizziness, or a faster than normal heart rate. Move slowly when changing from a lying down to an upright position. If your blood pressure drops too low, your doctor will adjust your dose or try another medication.
Stomach disorders: People with certain stomach disorders (e.g., narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract) should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Nifedipine Xr. If you have any stomach disorders, such as a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, discuss with your doctor how Nifedipine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nifedipine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Nifedipine Xr.
Pregnancy: Nifedipine Xr should not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant, as nifedipine may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Nifedipine Xr, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Nifedipine Xr passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking nifedipine, it may affect your baby. Women who are taking nifedipine are discouraged from breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Nifedipine Xr have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of nifedipine.
