Calcigard, a prescription drug, is manufactured in various forms such as Capsule, Tablet. Primarily, it is used for the treatment of High BP. The alternative uses of Calcigard have also been explained below.
The optimal dosage of Calcigard is largely dependent on the individual's body weight, medical history, gender and age. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.
The most common side effects of Calcigard are Headache. Some other side effects of Calcigard have been listed ahead. Such side effects of Calcigard normally do not last long and go away once the treatment is completed. However, if these continue for a longer time, consult your doctor right away.
It is also important to note that Calcigard has a Severe effect for pregnant women and Severe effect on lactating mothers. Further, the section on Calcigard related warnings talks about Calcigard's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.
Calcigard is contraindicated in people with pre-existing medical conditions like Heart Failure as it can result in adverse effects. Other conditions have been mentioned below in the Calcigard contraindications section.
Additionally, Calcigard may also adversely react with other medicines. A complete list of these interactions is given below.
Along with the above-mentioned precautions, remember that taking Calcigard is considered not safe while driving, and is not addictive.
Calcigard is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Calcigard is used -
Severe
Moderate
Mild
Common
Is the use of Calcigard safe for pregnant women?
Calcigard shows severe side effect on pregnant women. For this reason, pregnant women should only take it after taking medical advice.
Is the use of Calcigard safe during breastfeeding?
Calcigard should not be taken without taking your doctor's advice, as it may have severe side effects on breastfeeding women.
What is the effect of Calcigard on the Kidneys?
Calcigard does not damage the kidneys.
What is the effect of Calcigard on the Liver?
Calcigard is rarely harmful for the liver.
What is the effect of Calcigard on the Heart?
No research work has been carried out till date on effects of Calcigard on heart. So it is not known whether taking Calcigard will cause side effects on heart or not.
Calcigard should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Severe
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Calcigard unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Calcigard habit forming or addictive?
No, there is no any evidence that Calcigard is addictive.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
You may feel sleepy or tired after taking Calcigard. So it is best to avoid driving.
Is it safe?
Calcigard is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
No, the use of Calcigard in mental disorders is not effective.
Interaction between Food and Calcigard
Taking Calcigard with some specific foods may delay its effect. Talk to your doctor about this.
Interaction between Alcohol and Calcigard
Due to lack of research, there is no information about the side effects of taking Calcigard with alcohol.
Calcigard comes in the form of a tablet and capsule. The capsules are taken 3 to 4 times daily or as advised by your doctor but extended-release tablets should be taken once daily with or without food at any time of the day. Precautions must be taken in patients with liver disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit 3 days before and while taking Calcigard.
Yes, Calcigard may cause hair loss. It is a rare side effect of this drug. This problem goes away after discontinuation of the drug. However, if you notice excessive hair loss then consult it with your doctor.
For high blood pressure Calcigard works by relaxing and widening the blood vessel while for angina it works by relaxing and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Hence in this way, Calcigard lower the blood pressure as well as angina (heart pain).
Yes, Calcigard can cause stomach upset. It is an uncommon side effect of this drug. Please inform your doctor if you are experiencing stomach upset after taking this medicine.
Yes, Calcigard can cause edema (swelling). It is the common side effects of this drug. Usually swelling occurs in feet and ankle. If these effects cause troublesome, then consult your doctor regarding whether this effect arises due to nifedipine consumption or not. If yes, then you can stop taking this medicine with the help of a doctor because alternate treatment is also available. However, it is dose-related effects if taken a low dose, chances of edema are very less if consuming a high dose the chances of edema are high.
This medicine data has been created by -
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Procardia XL® (nifedipine)
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 549
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 907-909