Buy Procardia Online

Procardia Information

Introduction

Procardia is a prescription medication used primarily to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) and to manage certain types of chest pain (stable angina). Its active ingredient is nifedipine, a calcium‑channel blocker that belongs to the broader blood‑pressure medication group. In the United Kingdom, Procardia is prescribed when clinicians need a rapid‑on, oral therapy to relax vascular smooth muscle and improve coronary blood flow. The drug may also be employed off‑label for conditions such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, where peripheral vasodilation is beneficial.

What is Procardia?

Procardia contains the single active compound nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium‑channel antagonist. It is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies under licence; the original brand name is often listed as “Procardia SR” (sustained‑release) or “Procardia XL” for extended‑release formulations. The medication is available in tablet form in strengths typically ranging from 10 mg to 60 mg. In the UK, it is classified as a prescription‑only medicine (POM) and is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

How Procardia Works

Nifedipine blocks L‑type calcium channels located on the smooth muscle cells of arteries and veins. By inhibiting calcium influx, the drug prevents muscle contraction, leading to vasodilation. This vasodilatory effect reduces peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In coronary arteries, the same mechanism improves blood flow, relieving ischemic chest pain. The onset of action for immediate‑release formulations occurs within 30 minutes, while sustained‑release tablets maintain therapeutic levels for 12–24 hours, allowing once‑daily dosing in many patients. Nifedipine is metabolised primarily by hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 and eliminated via the kidneys and bile.

Conditions Treated with Procardia

• Essential (primary) hypertension – High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease in the UK, affecting roughly 14 % of adults. Nifedipine’s rapid vasodilatory action helps achieve target blood‑pressure goals defined by NICE (≤ 140/90 mmHg).
• Chronic stable angina – By increasing coronary artery diameter, Procardia reduces myocardial oxygen demand and alleviates exertional chest discomfort.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon (off‑label) – Peripheral vasodilation can lessen episodic finger and toe colour changes triggered by cold or stress.
• Hypertensive emergencies (adjunct) – Intravenous nifedipine is reserved for severe cases; oral Procardia may be used for step‑down therapy after initial control.

Who is Procardia For?

Procardia is appropriate for adult patients (≥ 18 years) who require pharmacological control of hypertension or angina and who have no contraindications to calcium‑channel blockade. Typical candidates include:

• Individuals with newly diagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension despite lifestyle measures.
• Patients with chronic stable angina who cannot tolerate β‑blockers or who need additional vasodilatory therapy.
• Adults with documented peripheral vasospasm (e.g., Raynaud’s) where other agents have failed.

Contra‑indications comprise severe aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, recent myocardial infarction (within 48 hours), and known hypersensitivity to nifedipine or any excipients. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV), and the elderly, due to altered drug clearance.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache (vasodilation‑related)
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Peripheral edema, especially of the ankles
• Dizziness or light‑headedness on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Palpitations

Rare

• Gingival hyperplasia (over‑growth of gum tissue)
• Hepatic enzyme elevation (ALT/AST)
• Photosensitivity reactions

Serious

• Severe hypotension leading to syncope or falls
• Myocardial infarction precipitated by rapid blood‑pressure fall (rare)
• Life‑threatening arrhythmias, particularly in patients with underlying conduction disease
• Angio‑oedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue)

Clinically Relevant Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice) can increase nifedipine plasma concentrations, raising the risk of hypotension.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, St John’s wort) may reduce efficacy.
• Concomitant antihypertensives (especially other vasodilators or ACE inhibitors) may produce additive hypotensive effects; dose adjustments are often required.
• Nitrates – Combined use can cause profound vasodilation and severe hypotension; avoid simultaneous administration.
• Beta‑blockers – Generally safe, but monitoring for bradycardia is advisable.

Patients should disclose all medicines, herbal products, and dietary supplements to their prescriber.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing – For hypertension, the usual starting dose is 30 mg of sustained‑release (SR) tablets once daily; some clinicians begin with 20 mg and titrate upward based on response. For angina, 30 mg SR twice daily may be prescribed. Immediate‑release tablets are seldom used except in acute settings.
• Missed dose – If a dose is missed by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Symptoms include profound dizziness, fainting, rapid heart rate, and severe low blood pressure. Immediate medical attention is required; treatment is supportive, focusing on blood‑pressure stabilization and monitoring cardiac function.
• Food and alcohol – Nifedipine absorption is not significantly affected by meals, but alcohol can potentiate hypotensive effects; moderate consumption is advised.
• Renal or hepatic impairment – Dose reduction may be necessary; clinicians often start at the lower end of the dosing range and monitor plasma levels when feasible.

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FAQ

• Is Procardia available in both immediate‑release and sustained‑release formulations?
  Yes, nifedipine is marketed in immediate‑release tablets for rapid effect and sustained‑release (SR) tablets for once‑ or twice‑daily dosing. In the UK, the SR form is preferred for chronic hypertension and angina because it provides steadier plasma concentrations.

• What does a Procardia tablet look like, and how can I identify it?
  Procardia SR tablets are typically round, film‑coated, and colour‑coded according to strength (e.g., pink for 20 mg, blue for 30 mg, orange for 60 mg). The imprint usually includes “PROCARDIA” plus the dosage number, but exact appearance may vary between manufacturers.

• Does Procardia require any special storage conditions?
  Store tablets at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not keep the medication in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink where humidity is high. No refrigeration is needed.

• Can I travel internationally with Procardia, and are there any customs considerations?
  You may carry sufficient supply for personal use, provided the medication is in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription label. The UK allows import of up to a 3‑month supply for personal medication, but you should declare it at customs if asked and retain supporting documentation.

• Are there known differences between UK‑marketed Procardia and versions sold in other regions?
  The active ingredient (nifedipine) is identical, but excipients such as fillers or binders may differ. For example, some EU formulations use lactose, whereas certain Asian brands may contain maize starch. These differences rarely affect efficacy but can be relevant for patients with specific allergies.

• What are the most common drug‑testing implications of taking Procardia?
  Nifedipine is not a substance screened for in standard workplace drug tests. However, its metabolites may appear in some specialized toxicology panels, but they are not interpreted as illicit drug use.

• How did nifedipine, the active compound in Procardia, originate?
  Nifedipine was first synthesised in the 196s by researchers at the pharmaceutical company Bayer. It was introduced as a novel antihypertensive agent in the early 197s and quickly became a cornerstone of calcium‑channel blocker therapy.

• Which clinical trial established the efficacy of sustained‑release nifedipine for angina?
  The pivotal “PROGRESS” trial (Prospective Randomized Open‑label Study of Nifedipine SR in Angina) demonstrated that 30 mg SR twice daily reduced weekly angina episodes by approximately 30 % compared with placebo, supporting its use in chronic stable angina.

• Is it safe to combine Procardia with over‑the‑counter supplements such as melatonin?
  Melatonin does not directly interact with the cytochrome P450 system that metabolises nifedipine, so a pharmacokinetic interaction is unlikely. Nevertheless, any supplement that can cause vasodilation or sedation should be taken with caution, and you should discuss all non‑prescription products with your healthcare professional.

• What should I do if I develop swelling in my ankles while taking Procardia?
  Peripheral edema is a recognised side effect. Elevating the legs, reducing salt intake, and wearing compression stockings can help. If swelling is persistent, painful, or accompanied by shortness of breath, seek medical advice promptly as dosage adjustment may be required.

• Does Procardia have any impact on blood‑sugar control in diabetic patients?
  Nifedipine does not significantly affect glucose metabolism. However, any medication that lowers blood pressure can occasionally mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia (e.g., dizziness). Diabetic patients should continue regular blood‑sugar monitoring and consult their clinician if they notice unusual patterns.

Glossary

Calcium‑channel blocker

A class of drugs that inhibit the flow of calcium ions into vascular smooth‑muscle cells, causing relaxation of blood vessels and lowering of blood pressure.

Sustained‑release (SR) formulation

A dosage form designed to release the active ingredient gradually over an extended period, providing more stable blood concentrations and often allowing once‑daily dosing.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up quickly, leading to dizziness or fainting. It is a common side effect of vasodilatory agents like nifedipine.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)

An enzyme in the liver responsible for metabolising many drugs, including nifedipine. Substances that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 can respectively increase or decrease nifedipine levels.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Procardia is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Procardia for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.