Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Adalat XL (Nifedipine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Adalat XL (Nifedipine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• anxiety
• decreased sexual ability
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry Mouth
• headache
• leg cramps
• nausea
• nervousness
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upset stomach
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal cramps
• back pain
• breathing difficulty, coughing, or wheezing
• breast enlargement (men)
• chest tightness
• chest pain (may appear about 30 minutes after medication is taken)
• confusion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position
• eye pain
• fainting
• increased urination
• irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat
• menstrual changes
• muscle or joint pain
• rash
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• skin sensitivity to the sun
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
• swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs
• tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of heart attack (e.g., sudden chest pain or pain radiating to back, down arm, jaw; sensation of fullness of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; anxiety)
• signs of intestinal blockage (e.g., swollen, hard or painful abdomen, vomiting and constipation)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with Fever or discomfort

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine).

20 mg
Each dusty rose, extended-release tablet, imprinted with "ADALAT 20" on one side, contains 20 mg of Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose acetate, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, magnesium stearate, pharmaceutical shellac, Polyethylene Glycol 3350, polyethylene oxide, propylene glycol, red ferric oxide, sodium chloride, synthetic black iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Lactose-free.

30 mg
Each dusty rose, extended-release tablet, imprinted with "ADALAT 30" on one side, contains 30 mg of Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose acetate, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, magnesium stearate, pharmaceutical shellac, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene oxide, propylene glycol, red ferric oxide, sodium chloride, synthetic black iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Lactose-free.

60 mg
Each dusty rose, extended-release tablet, imprinted with "ADALAT 60" on one side, contains 60 mg of Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose acetate, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, magnesium stearate, pharmaceutical shellac, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene oxide, propylene glycol, red ferric oxide, sodium chloride, synthetic black iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Lactose-free.

Do not take Adalat XL (Nifedipine) if you:

• are allergic to Adalat XL (Nifedipine) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other drugs that are similar to Adalat XL (Nifedipine) (dihydropyridine calcium antagonists) (e.g., Amlodipine, Felodipine)
• are breast-feeding
• are or may become pregnant
• have very Low Blood Pressure or are in shock
• are in the period immediately following a Heart Attack (applies to the immediate-release form of Adalat XL (Nifedipine))
• have a Kock pouch (ileostomy after a proctocolectomy)
• are taking the medication rifampicin
• have a severe blockage in the digestive system
• have moderate to severe liver disease

There may be an interaction between Adalat XL (Nifedipine) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Aldesleukin
• Aliskiren
• alpha agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• amifostine
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., Captopril, Lisinopril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., candasartan, irbesartain, Losartan)
• anti-psychotics (e.g., Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Aprepitant
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Bicalutamide
• Bosentan
• other calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil)
• calcium supplements (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium citrate)
• Carbamazepine
• Cimetidine
• Clopidogrel
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• Crizotinib
• Cyclosporine
• Dabrafenib
• Dasatinib
• Deferasirox
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., aliskiren, Amiloride, Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• Dronedarone
• Duloxetine
• Enzalutamide
• grapefruit juice
• Guanfacine
• Haloperidol
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• Hydralazine
• Idelalisib
• imatinib
• Imipramine
• Ivacaftor
• levodopa
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• magnesium supplements
• melatonin
• Methylphenidate
• mifepristone
• Minoxidil
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• nefazodone
• nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• Obinutuzumab
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Pimozide
• primidone
• quinidine
• quinine
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rituximab
• Ropinirole
• sacubitril
• St. John's wort
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram,  Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• simeprevir
• Stiripentol
• Tacrolimus
• Tizanidine
• Tocilizumab
• tolcapone
• Vincristine
• Yohimbine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Adalat XL (Nifedipine).

Diabetes: For people with diabetes, Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may affect their control of blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Adalat XL (Nifedipine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. It may be necessary to check your blood sugar regularly until you know how Adalat XL (Nifedipine) affects your blood sugar control.

Fertility: Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may affect male fertility. Talk to your doctor if this is important to you.

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can increase blood levels of Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit before or while you are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine).

Heart attack: Immediate-release Adalat XL (Nifedipine) should not be used within one week after a heart attack.

Heart failure: Rarely, Adalat XL (Nifedipine) causes severely decreased blood pressure, making symptoms of heart failure worse for people with severe heart failure. If you have heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Adalat XL (Nifedipine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Adalat XL (Nifedipine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Adalat XL (Nifedipine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Low blood pressure: People prone to low blood pressure should monitor their blood pressure frequently while they are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Blood pressure may occasionally drop more than expected when starting Adalat XL (Nifedipine). Be alert for any lightheadedness, dizziness, or a faster than normal heart rate. Move slowly when changing from a lying down to an upright position. If your blood pressure drops too low, your doctor will adjust your dose or try another medication.

Stomach disorders: People with certain stomach disorders (e.g., narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract) should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine). If you have any stomach disorders, such as a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, discuss with your doctor how Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Adalat XL (Nifedipine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine).

Pregnancy: Adalat XL (Nifedipine) should not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant, as Adalat XL (Nifedipine) may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Adalat XL (Nifedipine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine), it may affect your baby. Women who are taking Adalat XL (Nifedipine) are discouraged from breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Adalat XL (Nifedipine) have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of Adalat XL (Nifedipine).