INTRODUCTION ABOUT CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE

CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE contains Nifedipine, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antihypertensive drugs. It is used in the management of high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina. Hypertension is a condition in which the force of the blood against the blood vessel walls is too high and is characterised by headache, irregular heartbeat, vision changes, a feeling of overtiredness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, and chest pain. Angina is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart and characterised by a squeezing type of pain, pressure, heaviness, and tightness in the chest.

CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients with liver and heart disease and should be used with caution with patients having kidney dialysis, improper liver function, or poor cardiac reserve. It should be used with caution in pregnant women, and it is not recommended in a breast-feeding woman; consult your doctor for advice.

CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use by children and adolescents below 18 years of age. The most common side effects of taking CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE are headache, flushing, a general feeling of being unwell, constipation, and swelling, particularly of the ankles and legs. Consult your doctor if the symptom worsens.

USES OF CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE

• Manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain)

HOW CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE WORKS

CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE reduces blood pressure by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels for easy blood flow and thereby lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the strain on the heart. It also works by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels supplying the heart, which allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart and decreases the strain on it. This reduces the severity and frequency of angina attacks.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow this medicine, do not crush, or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Constipation:

Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Dizziness

When you feel dizzy, lie down or sit down immediately. If you're experiencing a severe episode of vertigo, lie in a dark, quiet place with your eyes closed. Vehicle driving should be avoided if you experience frequent dizziness without warning. Talk to your doctor if the symptom worsens.

Headache:

Apply a hot or cold-water bag to your head. Try to take a rest in a quiet, dark environment. Drink tea or coffee. Massage with mild pressure on the scalp or head.

Dry mouth:

A dry mouth can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. Drink water at regular intervals. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

• rifampicin (an antibiotic used to manage bacterial infections like tuberculosis)
• cimetidine (a medicine used to manage stomach ulcers)
• digoxin, diltiazem, quinidine, or beta-blockers like esmolol, and metoprolol (medicines used to manage heart conditions)
• quinupristin/dalfopristin (a combination antibiotic used to manage certain skin infections)
• phenytoin, carbamazepine or valproic acid (medicines used to manage epilepsy)
• cisapride (a medicine used to manage heartburn)
• magnesium sulphate injections during pregnancy (may cause a severe fall in blood pressure)
• erythromycin (a medicine used to manage or manage many infections)
• ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole (medicines used to fungal infections)
• indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir or amprenavir (medicines used to manage hiv)
• fluoxetine or nefazodone (medicines used to manage depression)
• tacrolimus (a medicine used to manage the rejection of transplanted organs)
• phenobarbital (a medicine usually used to manage insomnia or anxiety)

B.  Drug - Food interaction:

         Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of CALCIGARD 5MG CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. The most common symptoms of overdose are low blood pressure, heartbeats may be increased or slowed down, increased blood sugar level, increased acidity in the blood, swelling in the lungs, low blood oxygen levels and disturbances in consciousness leading to unconsciousness.

SYNOPSIS