Nifedipine, Nifedipine ER

Introduction

Written by Lee Holland, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on September 9, 2023

Nifedipine (nye FED i peen) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain. Nifedipine belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

These approved uses differ based on the form of nifedipine your doctor prescribes.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of nifedipine. To find coupons for nifedipine oral capsule, see this article.

Side effects of nifedipine

Nifedipine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of nifedipine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about nifedipine’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for nifedipine listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of nifedipine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of nifedipine you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about nifedipine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for nifedipine listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Nifedipine extended-release oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• edema (fluid retention)
• headache
• fatigue (low energy)
• dizziness
• mild allergic reaction*

Nifedipine oral capsule’s mild side effects include:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• flushing (discoloration of the skin) and feeling hot
• headache
• weakness
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about these side effects, see the “Interactions and warnings for nifedipine” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of nifedipine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of nifedipine you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about nifedipine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for nifedipine listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, nifedipine’s serious side effects include:

• dangerously low blood pressure
• increased angina (a type of chest pain)
• heart attack
• heart failure
• stomach or intestinal problems
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for nifedipine” section.

Uses of nifedipine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as nifedipine for certain conditions. Approved uses for nifedipine are described below. These uses differ based on the form of nifedipine prescribed.

Use for high blood pressure

Doctors may prescribe nifedipine extended-release (ER) oral tablet to treat high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With high blood pressure, the pressure in your arteries and veins is too high and often does not present any symptoms. But, untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to internal organs. This damage may result in symptoms, including blindness, kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke. Nifedipine works by relaxing arteries and allowing blood to flow under less pressure.

Use for certain types of angina

Doctors may prescribe nifedipine ER tablet and capsule for treating certain types of angina (chest pain). It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With angina, not enough blood or oxygen gets to the heart. The lack of blood and oxygen causes chest pain. There are several types of angina. Nifedipine is approved to treat the two types of angina below:

• Stable angina is the most common type of angina. It is caused by the narrowing of the arteries due to cholesterol plaque buildup or blood clots.
• Vasospastic angina is an uncommon type of angina. It is caused when blood vessels in the heart spasm.

Nifedipine treats both types of angina by relaxing arteries and calming spasms. This helps open the arteries so that more blood and oxygen can reach the heart.

Interactions and warnings for nifedipine

Below, you’ll find information about nifedipine’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of nifedipine

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take nifedipine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for nifedipine” section below.

Warnings for nifedipine

Some people should not take nifedipine, and others should take it cautiously.

Nifedipine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether nifedipine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of nifedipine you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for nifedipine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Nifedipine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to nifedipine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe nifedipine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to nifedipine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of nifedipine

If you take nifedipine by mouth, you should not take more nifedipine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much nifedipine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and nifedipine

Information about nifedipine and pregnancy and breastfeeding are described below.

Nifedipine and pregnancy

It’s not known whether nifedipine 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

There are risks to taking nifedipine while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having unmanaged high blood pressure or angina (chest pain) during this time. (Keep in mind that nifedipine is used for managing high blood pressure or angina.)

If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about high blood pressure and angina treatment options. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether you should take nifedipine during this time. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child.

Common questions about nifedipine

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about nifedipine.

Can nifedipine be prescribed for Raynaud‘s disease?

Yes, nifedipine can be prescribed for Raynaud’s disease. With Raynaud’s disease, blood vessels spasm in the hands and feet. This causes them to become cold and blue due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood. Nifedipine helps by relaxing blood vessel spasms.

However, the use of nifedipine for Raynaud’s disease is considered off-label. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

If you have questions about nifedipine and Raynaud’s disease, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does nifedipine work? And how long does it take to start working?

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. Our bodies need calcium to make the heart contract (squeeze). Sometimes, the heart contracts too hard, raising your blood pressure or contributing to angina (chest pain). Nifedipine blocks the amount of calcium that enters the heart and arteries. This can help lower blood pressure and reduce angina.

Nifedipine starts working within 10–30 minutes after you’ve taken it. But it may take a couple of weeks to see the drug’s full effects. 

If you’d like to know more about how nifedipine works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about nifedipine or would like more details about it.

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

• Am I at higher risk of side effects than others?
• What are my options if I am unable to afford my medication?
• Are there any alternative medications that you can prescribe for my condition?

Resources

• Angina (chest pain) types. (2023). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/angina/types
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Nifedipine capsule, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/5014847e-389d-48c1-8350-b9b24ca8d2a4/spl-doc
• Nifedipine extended-release tablets, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/331db003-cc8e-4509-9415-20e48c5cc5b2/spl-doc

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.