Common uses
This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Some brands are also used to control angina (chest pain). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cimetidine or intravenous (iv) calcium. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including narrowing of the intestines (stricture), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Check with your pharmacist to see if your brand may be taken with food. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. While you are using this medicine, carefully brush and floss your teeth to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, constipation, flushing, nausea, or heartburn. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. With some brands of this medicine, inactive parts of the drug may be passed in your stool as a harmless soft mass that may look like the original tablet. This is normal for this drug. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; irregular pulse; shortness of breath; or swelling of the feet or hands. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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