Nicardia Xl 60 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by J.B. CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (heart-related chest pain). It belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers.

Name

• Brand Name: NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Nifedipine (active ingredient)

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Nifedipine 60 mg

Uses

NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET is prescribed for:

• Managing high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Preventing angina (heart-related chest pain), heart attacks, and strokes.
• Long-term control of vasospastic angina and chronic stable angina. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, improving blood flow, reducing the workload on the heart, and increasing oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

Dosage and Administration

• Take NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET as advised by your physician.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time every day for optimal results.
• The dosage and duration will be determined by your doctor based on your age, weight, and medical condition.
• Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, as this could worsen your condition.
• Take the tablet immediately after removing it from the packet, as it is sensitive to light.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Flushing (feeling of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk)
• Peripheral edema (swelling, particularly in the legs and ankles)
• Constipation
• Low blood pressure
• Slow heartbeat
• Nausea

Serious side effects, though rare, can include fainting, irregular heartbeat, severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, fast pulse, swelling including airway), or severe skin reactions (itching, rash, or hives). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any severe side effects.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It may not be safe during pregnancy, and while generally considered safe during breastfeeding, a doctor's advice is crucial.
• Underlying Conditions: Use with caution if you have chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, liver or kidney issues, low blood pressure (hypotension), peripheral edema, or diabetes. It is not recommended for patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and during the initial recovery phase.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness, weakness, or visual disturbances due to low blood pressure.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase side effects like dizziness and low blood pressure.
• Grapefruit: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication, as it can increase nifedipine levels in your blood and escalate side effects.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking. Interactions can occur with medicines like beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides (digoxin), antiarrhythmics (quinidine), gastrointestinal agents (cimetidine), certain antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampicin), antivirals (ritonavir), antifungals (ketoconazole), and antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital).

Storage

• Store at room temperature below 25°C, protected from moisture and heat.
• Keep it out of reach and sight of children and pets.

What is NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET used for?

NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (heart-related chest pain). It also helps in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In some cases, it may be used to treat preterm labor.

How does NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET work?

NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET contains Nifedipine, which belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. It works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into the heart and blood vessel muscle cells. This action relaxes and widens the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the pressure on them. This process lowers blood pressure, eases the workload on the heart, and improves oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, thereby preventing chest pain.

What is the usual dosage for NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET?

The specific dose and how often you should take NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET will be determined by your doctor based on your condition and response to the medication. It is generally advised to take it at the same time each day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water; do not crush, chew, or break it. It can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, flushing (a feeling of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk), and peripheral edema (swelling, particularly of the ankles and legs). Other possible side effects can include nausea, constipation, a general feeling of being unwell, slow heartbeat, rash, stomach pain, chills, and dry mouth. If any of these side effects bother you or do not go away, consult your doctor. In rare cases, more severe reactions like a generalized allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, fast pulse, swelling), very fast heartbeat (tachycardia), or shortness of breath may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects.

Is NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. It should only be used after special consideration by your doctor, and only if the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks, as animal studies have shown potential harm to the developing baby.

Breastfeeding: NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET is probably safe to use during breastfeeding based on limited human data suggesting minimal risk to the baby if prescribed by a doctor. However, it is generally advised to consult your doctor, as components of the medicine may pass into breast milk. Some sources advise against its use during breastfeeding.

Can NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines, herbal preparations, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET should not be used with Rifampicin (an antibiotic). Caution is advised when taken with other medications such as cimetidine, digoxin, diltiazem, quinidine, certain beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol), phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, cisapride, and magnesium sulphate injections (if pregnant).

What precautions should be taken while using NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET?

Before taking NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Use with caution if you have congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, or diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended to ensure the medication is working properly. This medicine may cause dizziness or weakness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not stop taking NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET without consulting your doctor, as abruptly stopping could worsen your condition or cause withdrawal symptoms. It is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.

You should also avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it can increase the levels of nifedipine in your blood and lead to increased side effects. Caution is also advised with alcohol intake, as it can significantly decrease blood pressure and cause dizziness. The tablet is sensitive to light, so take it out of its packet just before consumption.

What happens if a dose of NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to very low blood pressure.

How should NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET be stored?

NICARDIA XL 60 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Store it below 25°C or below 30°C.