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Procardia XL vs. Nimodipine

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

Key takeaways

Nifedipine (Procardia XL) and nimodipine (Nymalize) are both calcium channel blockers, but they are used for different conditions. Nifedipine is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is available in both extended-release and immediate-release forms, with the extended-release form being more commonly prescribed. On the other hand, Nimodipine is used to prevent brain damage after a specific type of brain bleed called an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). It is typically started in the hospital and taken every 4 hours for 3 weeks. While both medications can cause low blood pressure, nimodipine requires more frequent dosing and must be taken on an empty stomach. Additionally, nimodipine is available in a liquid form for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules, whereas nifedipine is available in a lower-cost generic form.

Nifedipine ER

(Procardia XL)

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Nimodipine

(Nymalize)

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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 Nimodipine

Prescription only

Nimodipine (Nymalize) is used to help prevent brain damage after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a type of brain bleed). Your provider will typically start this medication in the hospital as soon as possible, but usually within 4 days of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nimodipine (Nymalize) is taken by mouth or given through a feeding tube every 4 hours for 3 weeks. Generic nimodipine comes as an oral capsule, while brand name Nymalize (nimodipine) comes as an oral liquid. The most common side effect of nimodipine (Nymalize) is low blood pressure, so your provider will check your blood pressure regularly while you're taking this medication.

Indications for Nimodipine

  • Prevention of brain damage after a type of brain bleed called an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)

Pros and Cons for Nimodipine

Pros

  • Prevents worsening of brain function after brain bleed
  • Available in liquid form if you can't swallow the capsule
  • Treatment typically lasts 3 weeks
  • Low risk of serious side effects

Cons

  • Can interact with some common medications and supplements
  • Needs to be taken every 4 hours
  • Needs to be taken on an empty stomach
  • Can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness

Common Side Effects for Nimodipine

  • Low blood pressure (4%)
  • Diarrhea (2%)
  • Rash (2%)
  • Stomach irritation (2%)

Warnings for Nimodipine

  • Take by mouth only
  • Low blood pressure
  • Medication interactions

Prices with our coupons for Procardia XL vs. Nimodipine

Price Card Drug Icon
Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)30 tablets / 30mg
$12.90$29.97
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Price Card Drug Icon
Nimodipine90 capsules / 30mg
$68.18$1,481.77
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