This article describes possible interactions with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Nifedipine comes as capsules and extended-release tablets that you swallow. “Extended release” means the drug slowly releases into your body over time.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Other drugs and nifedipine
The drugs in the list below may interact with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with nifedipine.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet include:
- certain antibiotics
- drug examples: clarithromycin, erythromycin (Ery-tab, others)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of nifedipine
- certain antidepressant drugs
- drug examples: fluoxetine (Prozac), nefazodone
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of nifedipine
- certain antiepileptic drugs
- drug examples: phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol, others)
- what might happen: can make nifedipine less effective
- certain antifungal drugs
- drug examples: ketoconazole, fluconazole (Diflucan)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of nifedipine
- certain antiviral drugs
- certain drugs for prostate cancer
- drug examples: apalutamide (Erleada), enzalutamide (Xtandi)
- what might happen: can make nifedipine less effective
- the heart drugs diltiazem (Cardizem CD, others) and verapamil (Verelan, others)
- what might happen: can increase the effect and risk of side effects of nifedipine
- digoxin (Lanoxin)
- what might happen: can increase the effect and risk of side effects of digoxin
- rifampin (Rimactane)
- what might happen: can make nifedipine less effective
- the organ transplant drug tacrolimus (Prograf)
- what might happen: can increase the effect and risk of side effects of tacrolimus
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardWhen to avoid nifedipine
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe nifedipine in these cases. These warnings about health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for nifedipine extended-release oral tablet:
- Cardiogenic shock: Doctors will not use nifedipine if you are experiencing cardiogenic shock. This is a life threatening condition that happens suddenly in certain situations. It’s not a long-term condition.
- Taking a drug that is a CYP3A inducer: CYP3A refers to a group of enzymes (special proteins) made by your liver that help break down drugs and other substances, including nifedipine. Taking a CYP3A inducer can make nifedipine less effective. If you’re curious about whether a drug you take fits this category, let your doctor know. They can provide more information on what not to take with nifedipine, including any medications with a serious interaction.
- Past allergic reaction to nifedipine: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to nifedipine extended-release oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking nifedipine, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take nifedipine.
Alcohol and nifedipine
Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
However, drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Even one drink per day can have this effect, according to recent research. (Nifedipine is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.)
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Other interactions and nifedipine
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether nifedipine extended-release oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with nifedipine.
Nifedipine interactions with food
You should take nifedipine on an empty stomach. If you take nifedipine with food, an interaction could occur that lowers the level of the drug in your body. This may make nifedipine less effective for your condition.
It may be best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking nifedipine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the risk of side effects if consumed while taking nifedipine.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Nifedipine and supplements
Before taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Nifedipine interactions with herbs
Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is often used for easing symptoms of depression and low mood.
Taking nifedipine and using St. John’s wort can make nifedipine less effective. Your doctor will likely suggest you avoid taking St. John’s wort while using nifedipine because this effect can be strong. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplement while taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Nifedipine interactions with vitamins
Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins while taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Nifedipine and vaccines
Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Nifedipine and lab tests
Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any medical lab tests performed while you are taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Nifedipine and cannabis or CBD
Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with nifedipine.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and nifedipine
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with nifedipine. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether nifedipine is right for you.
Health conditions or other factors might interact with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet include:
- coronary artery disease
- heart failure
- liver conditions, such as cirrhosis
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to nifedipine
Preventing nifedipine interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.
Taking nifedipine exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about nifedipine and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- How do interactions of nifedipine compare with those of amlodipine?
- If I get an infection while taking nifedipine, are there antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral drugs that are safe to take with it? Or will I need to pause taking nifedipine?
- If I take nifedipine and have certain health conditions, will I be monitored more closely during treatment?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.