Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's is an antihypertensive agent with an active ingredient called Nifedipine which belongs to the medication class known as calcium channel blockers. This drug is commonly used to treat hypertension (raised blood pressure) and certain types of angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease. In hypertension conditions, this medicine relaxes the blood vessels and makes the blood pass smoothly. In angina, it improves the blood supply, which prevents chest pain.

Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to this drug or its components. This capsule is contraindicated in patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and during the initial recovery phase. It may worsen cardiovascular function in these individuals. This drug should be cautiously used in patients with heart conditions, such as heart failure or certain conduction abnormalities. Close monitoring is required in these individuals, and dosage adjustments are necessary.

It is important to note that sudden drops in blood pressure can occur when taking Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's, mainly in individuals with very high blood pressure and low blood volume. This sudden drop in blood pressure is known as orthostatic hypotension (a condition with a significant decrease in blood pressure upon standing up or changing positions). So it is necessary to monitor blood pressure during the treatment with this drug.

• Hypertension

• Angina

Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's works by blocking the influx of calcium ions into certain body cells, including muscle cells in blood vessels and the heart. This blockage of calcium ions inhibits the contraction of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and a decrease in blood pressure.

Inform your physician about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Store Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's at room temperature below ( 25°C).

• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Take the Nicardia Retard 10mg Tablet 30's as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the capsule if your doctor advises you to stop.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Common

• Headache

• Peripheral edema

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Swelling, particularly of the ankles and legs

Serious

• Very low blood pressure 

• Chest pain or heart attack (in rare cases) 

• Swelling in the legs or ankles 

• Liver problems 

• Allergic reaction 

• Take Nicardia Retard 20mg Tablet at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body.

• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can interact with this medicine and increase its levels in your system.

• Do not share this medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms. It is prescribed specifically for your condition.

• Consult your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve, as they may need to reassess your condition or adjust your treatment.
  

1. Morningside Healthcare Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [ Revised on June 2022] [ Accessed on 3 June 2023],  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12305.pdf

2. Package leaflet: Information for the user - Nifedipine. www.hpra.ie. [Revised on March 2018], Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/PIL-2206287-04052018094255-636610237772812500.pdf (Accessed on 3 June 2023).

3. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia and Hypertension, 12th edition, 2011, 755.

4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Cardiovascular drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 546.