Calcigard 20 Retard Tablet (Nifedipine 20mg)

INTRODUCTION

CALCIGARD RETARD 20MG contains Nifedipine which belongs to a group of medicines called calcium antagonists. It is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It controls chest pain by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. Take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the medicine whole. Before using the medicine, tell your doctor know if you have any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Monitor your blood pressure regularly to make sure that this medicine is working properly. It is not suitable for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine. In addition to this medicine, lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, flushing, etc.

USES OF CALCIGARD RETARD 20MG

High blood pressure
Angina (chest pain)
Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes discolouration (often whitening) of the fingers and toes

HOW CALCIGARD RETARD 20MG WORKS

For high blood pressure: It works by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels. This makes the blood flow more easily and lowers blood pressure. Lower blood pressure reduces the strain on your heart.

For angina: It works by relaxing and expanding the arteries supplying the heart. This allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart and decreases the strain on it.

For Raynaud’s phenomenon: It works by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. This helps ensure a good blood supply.

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DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. Take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the medicine whole. Do not bite, chew or break them. Take your dose at the same time each day, preferably in the morning with a glass of water. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CALCIGARD RETARD 20MG

SERIOUS
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Fainting
Rash
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)
COMMON
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Flushing
Heartburn
Fast heartbeat
Muscle cramps
Constipation
Cough
Decreased sexual ability
RARE
Pins and needles
Inflammation of the gums, tender or swollen gums, bleeding gums

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion:

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.

Dizziness or lightheadedness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

Constipation:

Drink sufficient quantity of water every day. Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet.

Cough:

Drink fluids which helps thin the mucus in your throat. Suck on cough drops or hard candies.

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

Rifampicin, erythromycin (antibiotic)
Cimetidine (to treat stomach ulcers)
Digoxin, diltiazem, quinidine or beta-blockers (used to treat heart conditions)
Quinupristin/dalfopristin (a combination antibiotic)
Phenytoin, carbamazepine phenobarbital orvalproic acid (to treat epilepsy)
Cisapride (used to treat reduced movements of the gullet and stomach)
Magnesium sulphate injections
Ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole (antifungal medicines)
Indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir or amprenavir (used to treat HIV)
Fluoxetine or nefazodone (to treat depression)
Tacrolimus (to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs)
Phenobarbital (treats insomnia or anxiety)
Other medicines to treat high blood pressure