Procardia: Advanced Calcium Channel Blocker for Hypertension & Angina Control
Procardia
| Product dosage: 30mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | 1.13 $ | 67.86 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | 1.03 $ | 101.79 $ 92.43 $ (9%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | 0.97 $ | 135.72 $ 117.00 $ (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | 0.92 $ | 203.58 $ 164.97 $ (19%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | 0.89 $ | 305.37 $ 241.02 $ (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | 0.87 $
Best per pill | 407.16 $ 312.39 $ (23%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Procardia (nifedipine) is a prescription calcium channel blocker medication specifically formulated for the management of chronic stable angina and hypertension. By selectively inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, it promotes peripheral arterial vasodilation, reducing systemic vascular resistance and myocardial oxygen demand. This mechanism offers a targeted approach to cardiovascular management, supporting both blood pressure control and angina prophylaxis under expert medical supervision.
Features
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient: Nifedipine
- Available in extended-release tablet formulations (30mg, 60mg, 90mg)
- Proven calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine class) pharmacology
- Standardized manufacturing under cGMP conditions
- Bioavailability approximately 45-56% following oral administration
- Mean elimination half-life of approximately 2 hours
Benefits
- Effectively lowers elevated blood pressure, reducing long-term cardiovascular risk
- Decreases frequency and severity of angina episodes, improving exercise tolerance
- Promotes coronary and peripheral vasodilation, enhancing myocardial oxygen supply
- Supports stable 24-hour hemodynamic control with once-daily dosing convenience
- Demonstrates well-established efficacy within evidence-based treatment guidelines
- May be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents
Common use
Procardia is primarily indicated for the management of chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents. Additionally, it is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, which may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Off-label uses may include Raynaud’s phenomenon and preterm labor management (though other nifedipine formulations may be preferred for obstetric use).
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on therapeutic response and tolerability. For hypertension or angina: Initial dose is 30 or 60 mg once daily; dosage may be increased over 7 to 14 day intervals. Maintenance dose: Typically 30 to 60 mg once daily; maximum dose: 90 mg once daily (120 mg daily in some resistant cases under close supervision). Tablets should be swallowed whole and must not be divided, crushed, or chewed. Administration with a high-fat meal may increase absorption and should be consistent. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential during dosage adjustments.
Precautions
Avoid abrupt discontinuation, which may precipitate angina exacerbation. Use cautiously in patients with heart failure or significant aortic stenosis due to potential negative inotropic effects. Peripheral edema, often dose-related, may occur. May occasionally produce significant hypotension. Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal narrowing or obstruction. Hepatic impairment necessitates dosage reduction and careful monitoring. Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity and require lower initial dosing. Not recommended for treatment of acute anginal attacks.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to nifedipine or any component of the formulation. Patients with known hypersensitivity to other calcium channel blockers. Contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock. Should not be used in patients with severe hypotension (systolic pressure <90 mmHg). Avoid use in patients with acute myocardial infarction, particularly within the first 2 weeks. Not indicated for treatment of vasospastic (Prinzmetal’s) angina with this formulation.
Possible side effect
Common (≥5%): Peripheral edema, headache, dizziness, flushing, fatigue. Less common (1-5%: Nausea, palpitations, muscle cramps, constipation. Rare (<1%): Hypotension, syncope, dyspnea, gingival hyperplasia, rash, elevated liver enzymes. Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention: Symptoms of heart failure, severe hypotension, marked tachycardia, myocardial infarction, severe dermatological reactions. Most adverse effects are dose-dependent and often diminish with continued therapy.
Drug interaction
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin): May significantly increase nifedipine concentrations. CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine): May decrease nifedipine efficacy. Beta-blockers: May increase risk of heart failure and severe hypotension. Digoxin: Nifedipine may increase digoxin levels. Quinidine: Nifedipine may decrease quinidine levels. Magnesium sulfate: May potentiate neuromuscular blockade. Grapefruit juice: May increase bioavailability and should be avoided.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible on the same day. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent daily administration at approximately the same time is recommended for optimal therapeutic effect.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe hypotension, bradycardia or tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and confusion. Management involves cardiovascular monitoring with emphasis on blood pressure and heart rate support. Activated charcoal may be administered if ingestion was recent. IV calcium gluconate may be considered for severe hypotension. Hemodialysis is not effective due to high protein binding. Symptomatic and supportive care is mainstay of treatment.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not transfer to other containers. Do not use if tablets appear discolored or show signs of physical deterioration. Properly dispose of any unused medication after expiration date or when no longer needed.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Procardia is available by prescription only and should be used under appropriate medical supervision. Healthcare providers should reference full prescribing information before initiating therapy. Patients should not adjust dosage or discontinue medication without consulting their physician. Individual results may vary based on clinical circumstances.
Reviews
“Procardia has been instrumental in managing my patients with resistant hypertension. The once-daily formulation provides consistent 24-hour control with generally good tolerability.” - Cardiologist, 15 years experience
“While effective for angina prophylaxis, we monitor carefully for peripheral edema, which can be bothersome for some patients at higher doses. Overall, a valuable option in our antianginal arsenal.” - Clinical Pharmacologist
“Patient adherence has improved significantly with the extended-release formulation compared to previous multiple-daily dosing regimens. Blood pressure control remains stable throughout the dosing interval.” - Hypertension Specialist