NICARDIA RETARD 20MG contains Nifedipine which belongs to a group of medicines called calcium antagonists. It is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. Take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the medicine whole. Before using the medicine, tell your doctor know if you have any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Monitor your blood pressure regularly to make sure that this medicine is working properly. It is not suitable for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine. In addition to this medicine, lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, flushing, etc.
For high blood pressure: It works by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels. This makes the blood flow more easily and lowers blood pressure. Lower blood pressure reduces the strain on your heart.
For angina: It works by relaxing and expanding the arteries supplying the heart. This allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart and decreases the strain on it.
For Raynaud’s phenomenon: It works by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. This helps ensure a good blood supply.
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. Take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the medicine whole. Do not bite, chew or break them. Take your dose at the same time each day, preferably in the morning with a glass of water. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion:
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.
Headache:
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.
Dizziness or lightheadedness:
Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.
Constipation:
Drink sufficient quantity of water every day. Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet.
Cough:
Drink fluids which helps thin the mucus in your throat. Suck on cough drops or hard candies.
NICARDIA RETARD 20MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
NICARDIA RETARD 20MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
NICARDIA RETARD 20MG may cause dizziness, faint, extremely tired or have visual disturbances Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine.
NICARDIA RETARD 20MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
NICARDIA RETARD 20MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Nifedipine or any other ingredients in this medicine.
NICARDIA RETARD 20MG is not recommended in patients with severe heart disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
Tell your doctor if you have or had a condition such as;
Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:
Drug | : | Nifedipine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Calcium channel blocker |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Hypertension, Angina, Raynaud’s phenomenon |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule |
Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.
Can NICARDIA RETARD 20MG be used in pregnancy and nursing mothers?
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. It should be used only if prescribed by the doctor in case of pregnancy.
Do I need to change my diet while taking NICARDIA RETARD 20MG?
Yes, making small changes to your diet can help your medicine work well. You must take a low sodium and low-fat diet and adhere to the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor.
Does NICARDIA RETARD 20MG affect blood sugar?
No, it does not cause any change in blood sugar levels. It has been observed that it has no effect on the release of insulin or change in blood sugar levels.
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5. Jenny Bryan, Nifedipine: from the treatment of angina to the treatment of hypertension: The Pharmaceutical Journal; 20 May 2010, [Accessed on Oct 3, 2020] https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/opinion/comment/nifedipine-from-the-treatment-of-angina-to-the-treatment-of-hypertension/11011713.article?firstPass=false
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