What is Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Extended-release nifedipine is a prescription drug that treats high blood pressure and chest pains (angina). The osmotic release version uses a special technology that releases the tablet’s nifedipine into the intestines at a steady rate for 24 hours. It comes as a brand-name version (Procardia XL) and in generic versions, but “osmotic release” is not written on the package or label to distinguish it from regular extended-release nifedipine. Doses are taken once daily.

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Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Procardia XL

Generic Names:

  • Extended-release nifedipine

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). 

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, antianginal, calcium channel blocker

Forms:

  • Extended-release tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release used for?

Nifedipine ER osmotic release treats high blood pressure, vasospastic angina, and chronic stable angina.

What form(s) does Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release come in

  • Extended-release tablet

    • 30 mg

    • 60 mg

    • 90 mg

What are common Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release doses?

  • For hypertension: 30–90 mg tablet taken once daily

  • For angina: 30–90 mg tablet taken once daily

Common Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release prescriptions

  • NIFEdipine ER Osmotic Release
    30 tablets extended release 24 hour bottle

  • NIFEdipine ER Osmotic Release
    30mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • NIFEdipine ER Osmotic Release
    60mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • NIFEdipine ER Osmotic Release
    90mg tablet extended release 24 hour

How to take Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release

  • Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

  • Take only one dose daily.

  • Nifedipine ER osmotic release tablets can be taken with or without food.

    • Take the tablet with food if you experience stomach upset or similar problems when taking nifedipine doses.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.

  • Store nifedipine ER osmotic release tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture and humidity.

  • Part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release

  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.

  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.

  • Take the next dose at its regular time.

  • Take only one dose daily. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone.

  • Do not take nifedipine ER osmotic release if you have had an allergic reaction to nifedipine.

Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release warnings

  • Tell any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • The prescriber will require lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Before taking nifedipine, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Coronary artery disease

    • Recent heart attack

    • Gastrointestinal blockage

    • Digestive system ulcers

  • This medicine may cause serious problems including: 

    • Worsening of angina

    • Increased risk of heart attack

    • Heart failure

    • Stomach or bowel ulcers

    • Worsening of bowel blockage

    • Low blood pressure

    • Peripheral edema

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. 

  • Do not stop using this medicine without consulting with the prescriber.

Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release interactions

  • Tell the prescriber about all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take, particularly:

    • Other calcium channel blockers

    • Beta blockers

    • Other blood pressure medications

    • Nitrates

    • Digitalis medications such as digoxin

    • Coumarin blood thinners such as warfarin

    • Antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors

    • Barbiturates

    • Carbamazepine, cimetidine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fentanyl, fluconazole, fluoxetine, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, Paxlovid, phenytoin, quinidine, ranitidine, rifabutin, rifampin, saquinavir

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not take St. John’s wort supplements when taking nifedipine.

Nifedipine ER Osmotic Release side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, palpitations

  • Slow heartbeat, weak pulse

  • Stomach pain, blood in the stools, black and tarry stools

  • Severe abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, gas, vomiting, loss of appetite

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Rapid weight gain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the feet and ankles

  • Vision changes

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting

Less serious side effects

  • Headache

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Find more information about nifedipine side effects here.

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