Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for nifedipine. You can explore this overview article to learn more about nifedipine ER oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Nifedipine ER oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Procardia XL.  Nifedipine also comes in a capsule form that you swallow, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

More common side effects of nifedipine

Nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of nifedipine ER oral tablet include:

• edema (fluid buildup in your body)*
• fatigue (low energy)
• headache
• leg cramps
• nausea

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of nifedipine in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of nifedipine

Nifedipine may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• constipation
• dizziness
• edema (fluid buildup in your body)*
• fatigue (low energy)
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• headache
• leg cramps
• nausea
• mild allergic reaction*

Nifedipine ER oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

* An allergic reaction is possible with nifedipine ER oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies. To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of nifedipine in detail” section below.

Serious side effects of nifedipine

Nifedipine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with nifedipine.

Serious side effects of nifedipine ER oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• heart attack
• heart failure
• increased or worsening angina (chest pain)
• liver problems
• ulcers or blockages in the digestive system*
• very low blood pressure*
• severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of nifedipine in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

Common questions about side effects of nifedipine

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long do side effects of nifedipine typically last?

Usually, mild side effects of nifedipine ER oral tablet will go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. This happens as your body gets used to the drug. But some side effects may continue or become severe.

If a side effect becomes bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage it.

Can nifedipine cause erectile dysfunction?

Possibly. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was reported in studies of nifedipine ER oral tablet. But ED was reported at about the same rate in people who took the drug and people who took a placebo (a treatment with no active drug that’s sometimes called a “sugar pill”).

Also, high blood pressure is a common cause of ED. Keep in mind that doctors prescribe nifedipine extended-release oral tablet for treating high blood pressure.

If you’re having difficulty getting or keeping an erection, tell your doctor. They can find the most likely cause and suggest ways to treat or manage it.

Does nifedipine cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with nifedipine ER oral tablet. In studies, no specific side effects were seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. There were also no reports of long lasting side effects after the treatment ended.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with nifedipine.

Coupon for nifedipine

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for nifedipine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of nifedipine in detail

Below, you’ll find details on some of the side effects of nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Edema

Edema was common in people taking nifedipine ER oral tablet in studies. This side effect is usually mild to moderate.

With edema, you have fluid buildup (swelling) in your body. It occurs most often in your feet, ankles, or lower legs. Sometimes it may also occur in your hands or arms.

Edema with nifedipine ER oral tablet is usually due to the relaxing of small blood vessels. This allows fluid to enter the tissues and build up. In most cases, it isn’t due to more serious causes, such as heart failure. But people who have heart failure and take nifedipine ER oral tablet should pay close attention to any swelling.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of edema, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.

Ulcers or blockages in the digestive system

There have been reports of ulcers or blockages in the digestive tract in people taking nifedipine ER oral tablet. These side effects may be serious.

Ulcers can occur with nifedipine ER oral tablet. An ulcer occurs when the tablet sticks to the wall of the digestive tract, causing an open sore to develop in the lining of the wall. Symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, or discomfort.

A blockage in the digestive tract can occur in people with or without digestive system problems. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or being unable to have a bowel movement.

Certain factors can increase the risk of a blockage with nifedipine ER oral tablet. These include:

• inflammatory bowel disease
• diverticulosis
• colon cancer
• certain medications, such as H2 blockers and opioids
• previous surgeries, such as gastric bypass or bowel surgery
• reduced movement in the digestive tract

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of an ulcer, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.

If you experience symptoms of a bowel blockage, seek immediate medical care or call 911.

Very low blood pressure

There have been reports of very low blood pressure in people taking nifedipine ER oral tablet. It usually happens when you first start the drug or after the dosage increases. This side effect may be serious.

With very low blood pressure, you can experience dizziness and fainting. This can lead to falls and other serious accidents. Symptoms may include:

• blurred vision
• confusion
• nausea
• rapid or pounding heartbeat
• weakness

Certain factors can increase the risk of very low blood pressure with nifedipine ER oral tablet. These include taking a beta-blocker drug.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of very low blood pressure, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.

If you faint or fall, seek prompt medical care.

Allergic reaction

For some people, nifedipine ER oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to nifedipine ER oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for nifedipine

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take nifedipine ER oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether nifedipine ER oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking nifedipine ER oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• digestive system problems
• taking beta-blocker drugs
• heart failure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• severe coronary artery disease
• eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
• past allergic reaction to nifedipine

Nifedipine and pregnancy

It’s not known whether nifedipine ER oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Nifedipine and breastfeeding

Nifedipine is transferred through breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. They will review the potential risks and benefits and help to make the decision with you.

Nifedipine and alcohol

Nifedipine ER oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.

Drinking alcohol while taking nifedipine ER oral tablet increases the risk of very low blood pressure.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with nifedipine extended-release oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How do the side effects of nifedipine ER oral tablet compare with those of other drugs that could treat my condition?
• Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
• Does my risk of side effects depend on the dosage you prescribe of nifedipine ER oral tablet?

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.