Common uses
This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina (chest pain) or high blood pressure. It is also used to treat and prevent a rapid heart rate. 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 rifampin, theophylline, carbamazepine, digoxin, digitoxin, intravenous (iv) calcium, flecainide, quinidine, or medicine for heart conditions or high blood pressure (beta blockers). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart block, severe heart failure, or certain abnormal heart rhythms (wolff-parkinson-white, lown-ganong-levine, or sick sinus syndromes). 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. 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 first 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, brush and floss your teeth carefully 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. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, fatigue, nausea, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience shortness of breath, swelling of feet or hands, irregular pulse, unusually fast or slow pulse, or severe dizziness. 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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