THE PREPARATION DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED FOR MEDICATION WITHOUT PARTICIPATION OF THE DOCTOR!

What is Adalat?

Adalat is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nifedipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Adalat is used to lower hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain).

Adalat may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Adalat

Do not stop taking Adalat without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse. Do not crush, chew, or break any form of Adalat. Swallow the pills whole.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with this medication. Adalat can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor.

Before taking Adalat

Before taking Adalat, tell your doctor if you have

* kidney disease;
*liver disease;
*another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

You may not be able to take Adalat, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Adalat is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Adalat will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Adalat without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Adalat passes into breast milk. Do not take Adalat without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Adalat. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take Adalat?

Take Adalat exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take the Adalat CC tablet on an empty stomach. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. These conditions can lead to severely low blood pressure. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Adalat. You may need to stop using the Adalat for a short time. Do not stop taking Adalat without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store Adalat at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra Adalat to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness, pounding heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, and feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking Adalat?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Adalat and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure further and may increase certain side effects of Adalat.

Adalat side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Adalat: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect while using Adalat such as:

*worsening angina;
*feeling like you might pass out;
*feeling short of breath, swelling in your hands or feet;
*fast or pounding heartbeats;
*numbness or tingly feeling;
*jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
*chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Less serious Adalat side effects may include:

*headache, dizziness;
*drowsiness, tired feeling;
*nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain;
*sleep problems (insomnia);
*mild rash or itching;
*joint pain, leg cramps;
*warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin; or
*urinating more than usual.

This is not a complete list of Adalat side effects and others may occur.