ADALAT CC

Who is Adalat CC for ?

Adalat CC is used to treat high blood pressure. If taken regularly, Adalat CC controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Adalat CC also is used to treat migraine headaches, Raynaud's syndrome, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Adalat CC is a calcium channel blocker and works to lower blood pressure by interfering with the normal role of calcium in the heart and blood vessels. By blocking calcium's entry into the heart muscle and blood vessels, Adalat CC causes blood vessels to relax or dilate and contraction of the heart to slow. Thus, blood pressure is lowered and your heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina).

When should I be careful taking Adalat CC ?

Before taking Adalat CC,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nifedipine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet); fentanyl (Duragesic); heart and blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), warfarin (Coumadin), and quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex); phenytoin (Dilantin); ranitidine (Zantac); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Adalat CC, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Adalat CC.

Adalat CC Side Effects

Although side effects from Adalat CC are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• flushing (feeling of warmth)
• heartburn
• fast heartbeat
• muscle cramps
• enlargement of gum tissue around teeth
• constipation
• nasal congestion
• cough
• decreased sexual ability

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fainting
• rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)