CORDIPIN RETARD

This medicine contains the active ingredient Nifedipine which belongs to a group of medicines called calcium-channel blockers. They lower the amount of calcium in the walls of the arteries and in the heart. Nifedipine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels, for the treatment of a certain type of chest pain (angina) by opening up the arteries and improving the blood supply to the heart muscle, and for the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon (change of color in fingers and toes because of poor circulation) by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels in the fingers and toes.

Is Nifedipine suitable for me?

Nifedipine is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• If you are allergic to Nifedipine, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If your blood pressure continues to rise
• If you are suffering from serious problems with your heart rhythm or heart failure
• if the angina has gotten worse
• if you have had a heart attack during the last month
• if you have severely reduced liver function

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have any other problems with your heart or heartbeat
• have liver or kidney problems
• have diabetes
• have low blood pressure
• are on kidney dialysis

Nifedipine interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Nifedipine?

This medicine is available in form of a prolonged-release tablet.

You should take Nifedipine exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual dose for prolonged-release tablets is one 20 mg tablet taken once a day.

 Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose. Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. 

What are Nifedipine side effects?

Like all medicines Nifedipine can cause side effects, including:

Common side effects

• headache
• flushing
• feeling of being unwell
• constipation
• swelling

 Uncommon side effects

• stomach pain
• low blood pressure
• fainting
• irregular heartbeat 
• dry mouth
• indigestion or upset stomach
• wind (flatulence)
• nausea
• muscle cramps
• joint swelling
• sleep disorders
• anxiety or nervousness
• reddening of the skin
• nose bleeds
• nasal congestion
• vertigo
• migraine
• dizziness
• trembling
• increase in the need to pass water (urinate)
• painful or difficult urination
• impotence
• blurred vision
• temporary increase in certain liver enzymes

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.