Procardia XL (Nifedipine) for Pulmonary Hypertension

Overview
Procardia XL is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of vasospastic angina (chest pain due to spasms in the coronary arteries), chronic stable angina, and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is sometimes prescribed off-label for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Procardia XL is also known by its drug name, nifedipine.

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and the workload on the heart. In the context of PH, it helps to lower the pressure in the pulmonary arteries, easing the burden on the heart.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Procardia XL is taken as an oral tablet, typically once daily. It is important to take the tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it. You should take this drug exactly as prescribed by your health care provider.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Procardia XL list common side effects including headache, dizziness, flushing, heartburn, muscle cramps, nervousness, cough, weezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, rash, itching, joint pain, leg cramps, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, increased urination, and swelling of the ankles or feet. 

Rare but serious side effects listed for Procardia XL include worsening angina, hypotension (low blood pressure), congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Label: Procardia XL — Nifedipine Tablet, Film Coated, Extended Release — DailyMed

Procardia XL — Drug.com