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Procardia XL vs. Calan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nifedipine (Procardia XL) and verapamil (Calan) are both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). However, they have some key differences. Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine CCB that primarily works by relaxing blood vessels, while Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine CCB that also slows the heart rate, making it useful for treating arrhythmias. Nifedipine is available in both extended-release (ER) and immediate-release (IR) forms, with the ER form taken once daily and the IR form taken three to four times a day. Verapamil, on the other hand, is typically taken three to four times a day. Common side effects of Nifedipine include swelling in the legs, dizziness, and headaches, whereas Verapamil can cause constipation, dizziness, and nausea. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

Nifedipine ER

(Procardia XL)

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Verapamil

 

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Summary for Procardia XL

Prescription only

Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It's used to treat certain heart conditions, such as chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure in adults. It mainly works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Nifedipine is available as an extended-release pill (ER) that's taken by mouth once daily, and a immediate-release pill (IR) that's taken three times a day. Keep in mind the nifedipine IR is rarely prescribed. Some side effects of nifedipine include swelling in the legs, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.

Indications for Procardia XL

  • Chest pain (angina)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only

Pros and Cons for Procardia XL

Pros

  • Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure
  • Can take it alone or with other medications to help with blood pressure or chest pain
  • Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine ER (Procardia XL), work especially well for Black people to lower blood pressure
  • The extended-release tablets are taken once daily
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Often causes swelling in the legs and feet
  • Not a good choice if you have heart failure because of risk for swelling
  • If you have severe heart disease, it can raise your risk of having a heart attack or worsening chest pain
  • The immediate-release capsule needs to be taken 3 to 4 times a day

Common Side Effects for Procardia XL

Extended-release tablets:

  • Swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or hands (10-30%)
  • Headache (16%)
  • Fatigue (6%)
  • Dizziness (4%)

Immediate-release capsules:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (27%)
  • Flushing (25%)
  • Headache (23%)
  • Weakness (12%)
  • Nausea (11%)
  • Swelling (10%)

Warnings for Procardia XL

  • Low blood pressure
  • Risk of worsening chest pain or heart attack
  • Risk of heart failure
  • Swelling in legs and feet
  • Stomach or intestinal injury (extended-release form only)

Summary for Calan

Prescription only

Verapamil is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It's used to treat high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and chest pain (or angina) in adults. Verapamil works by slowing your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is taken by mouth typically about 3 to 4 times per day. Side effects can include constipation, dizziness, and nausea.

Indications for Calan

Pros and Cons for Calan

Pros

  • Works well to help with blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, or chest pain
  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Can be taken with or without food
  • Taken by mouth

Cons

  • Interacts with many medications
  • Can't approved for children
  • Can cause dizziness or swelling in your hands, feet, and legs
  • Needs to be taken multiple times per day

Common Side Effects for Calan

  • Constipation (7%)
  • Dizziness (3%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Low blood pressure (3%)
  • Headache (2%)
  • Swelling in the hands and feet (2%)
  • Tiredness (2%)

Warnings for Calan

  • Worsening heart failure
  • Severely low blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate or heart block
  • Liver problems

Prices with our coupons for Procardia XL vs. Calan

Price Card Drug Icon
Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)30 tablets / 30mg
$13.60$44.85
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Price Card Drug Icon
Verapamil90 tablets / 120mg
$18.41$33.79
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