Buy Procardia Online

Procardia Information

Introduction

Procardia is a calcium‑channel blocker whose active ingredient is nifedipine. It belongs to the antihypertensive (blood‑pressure) medication group and is used primarily to lower elevated arterial pressure and to relieve angina pectoris. In Hong Kong, nifedipine‑containing products are prescribed for patients who need rapid and sustained vasodilation, especially when oral therapy is preferred over injectable agents. The medication is manufactured by Bayer AG and is registered with the Hong Kong Department of Health as a prescription‑only product.

What is Procardia?

Procardia is a brand‑name formulation of nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium‑channel antagonist. It was developed by Bayer AG and first approved in the early 198s for the treatment of hypertension and chronic stable angina. The product is available in immediate‑release (IR) tablets (typically 10 mg and 20 mg) and extended‑release (ER) tablets (30 mg and 60 mg).

How Procardia Works

Nifedipine blocks L‑type voltage‑gated calcium channels on vascular smooth‑type I muscle cells. By preventing calcium influx, the drug reduces intracellular calcium concentration, leading to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle. The principal therapeutic effects are:

• Arterial vasodilation – decreases systemic vascular resistance, which lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Coronary artery dilation – improves myocardial oxygen supply, alleviating angina symptoms.

The onset of action for IR tablets occurs within 30 minutes, with peak plasma concentrations at 1–2 hours. ER tablets provide a more gradual rise in concentration, achieving a steadier therapeutic level over 24 hours. Nifedipine is metabolized primarily by hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes and has an elimination half‑life of roughly 2–5 hours for IR and 7–9 hours for ER formulations.

Conditions Treated with Procardia

• Essential (primary) hypertension – a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity in Hong Kong, where prevalence exceeds 25 % in adults over 45 years.
• Chronic stable angina – useful for patients whose symptoms persist despite β‑blocker therapy or when β‑blockers are contraindicated.
• Ray‑induced vasospasm – occasional off‑label use for Raynaud’s phenomenon, although evidence is limited.

These indications are supported by multiple randomized controlled trials in Asian populations, demonstrating consistent reductions in mean arterial pressure and angina episode frequency.

Who is Procardia For?

• Adults with newly diagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension who require an oral agent with a rapid onset and convenient dosing.
• Patients with chronic stable angina who need improved coronary perfusion without negative inotropic effects.
• Individuals who cannot tolerate β‑blockers (e.g., due to asthma or severe bradycardia).

Contraindications include severe aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, recent myocardial infarction (within 48 hours), and known hypersensitivity to nifedipine or other dihydropyridines. Caution is advised in patients with impaired hepatic function, congestive heart failure, or concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin).

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Peripheral edema (ankle‑foot)
• Dizziness, especially after the first dose (postural hypotension)

Rare

• Gingival hyperplasia
• Myocardial ischemia (paradoxical in rare cases)
• Hepatotoxicity (elevated transaminases)

Serious

• Severe hypotension leading to syncope or falls
• Reflex tachycardia causing arrhythmia
• Acute myocardial infarction (very rare, usually in patients with pre‑existing coronary disease)

Drug–drug interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, erythromycin) increase nifedipine plasma levels → heightened hypotension risk.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) lower concentrations → reduced efficacy.
• Concurrent use with other antihypertensives (especially β‑blockers, ACE inhibitors) may cause additive blood‑pressure reduction.
• Grapefruit juice can inhibit metabolism, leading to higher systemic exposure.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their healthcare provider.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Immediate‑release tablets: 10 mg to 20 mg taken two to three times daily, 30 minutes before meals. Initial dose often 10 mg, titrated based on response.
• Extended‑release tablets: 30 mg once daily (most common) or 60 mg once daily for patients requiring stronger BP control. Taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten and it is within 12 hours of the scheduled time, take it promptly. If the next dose is due within 4 hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose – Symptoms may include profound hypotension, severe dizziness, syncope, and tachycardia. Seek emergency medical attention. Management is supportive: intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and continuous cardiac monitoring.

Precautions – Avoid abrupt discontinuation, especially after long‑term therapy, as rebound hypertension may occur. Alcohol may potentiate hypotensive effects; limit intake. Patients with hepatic impairment may require lower initial doses.

Buying Procardia from Our Online Pharmacy

Procardia can be‑purchased securely from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We specialise in providing verified, cost‑effective generic alternatives that meet the same quality standards as brand‑name products. Key benefits include:

• Affordable pricing – sourced near manufacturer cost, lowering the financial barrier for long‑term therapy.
• Verified quality – all batches come from licensed overseas suppliers inspected for authenticity and potency.
• Guaranteed delivery – discreet packaging, express shipping within 7 days for most orders, and regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks) for larger quantities.
• Online‑only access – we operate as a pharmacy broker service, collaborating with internationally accredited pharmacies to bring medicines that may be scarce locally. Our discreet service respects patient privacy while ensuring legal compliance with Hong Kong import regulations for personal use.

Patients seeking a reliable, affordable source of nifedipine for hypertension or angina may consider our online pharmacy as a vetted option when conventional channels are limited.

FAQ

• Is Procardia available in both immediate‑release and extended‑release formulations in Hong Kong?
  Yes, Procardia is marketed in 10 mg and 20 — IR tablets as well as 30 mg and 60 mg — ER tablets. The formulation chosen depends on the clinical situation and physician judgment.

• What does a Procardia tablet look like?
  The immediate‑release tablets are round, film‑coated, and typically pink or orange, marked with the dosage strength. Extended‑release tablets are oval, amber‑coloured, and bear a distinctive imprint indicating the 30 mg or 60 mg strength.

• Does Procardia require special storage conditions?
  Store at controlled room temperature (15 °C – 30 °C). Keep the container tightly closed, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

• Can Procardia be taken with grapefruit juice?
  Grapefruit juice can inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme that metabolises nifedipine, potentially raising blood levels and increasing the risk of hypotension. It is advisable to avoid large amounts of grapefruit juice while on Procardia.

• Are there any known differences between the European and Asian formulations of nifedipine?
  The active ingredient and dosage strengths are consistent worldwide, but excipients such as fillers or colourants may vary. Asian‑marketed tablets often use lactose‑free filler blends to accommodate regional dietary preferences.

• How long does it typically take for blood pressure to stabilize after starting Procardia?
  Clinical studies report a noticeable reduction in systolic and diastolic pressure within 1 week, with maximal effect observed after 2–4 weeks of consistent dosing.

• Is there any risk of dependence or tolerance with long‑term Procardia use?
  Nifedipine does not produce physiological dependence. However, abrupt discontinuation may trigger rebound hypertension, so dose tapering is recommended under medical supervision.

• Can Procardia be safely used by patients with mild liver impairment?
  Mild hepatic dysfunction may modestly increase plasma concentrations; clinicians often start with the lowest effective dose and monitor blood pressure closely.

• What is the recommended action if a patient experiences severe peripheral edema?
  Persistent or worsening edema should be reported promptly. The physician may adjust the dose, switch to an alternative antihypertensive class, or add a diuretic to manage fluid retention.

• Does Procardia cross the placenta, and is it’s use allowed during pregnancy?
  Nifedipine does cross the placenta, and while it is sometimes prescribed for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, it is classified as Category C in many regions. Use is only justified when benefits outweigh potential fetal risks and under specialist guidance.

Glossary

Calcium‑channel blocker

A class of drugs that inhibit calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, causing vasodilation and reduced myocardial oxygen demand.

Extended‑release (ER) formulation

A tablet designed to release the active ingredient slowly over an extended period, allowing once‑daily dosing and more stable blood concentrations.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver responsible for metabolising many medications, including nifedipine; its activity can be altered by other drugs or foods.

Rebound hypertension

A rapid rise in blood pressure that can occur after abrupt cessation of antihypertensive therapy, particularly with agents that cause vasodilation.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Procardia is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Procardia for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.