Physicians may prescribe Afeditab CR, one of the brand names for the generic prescription drug nifedipine, to help control either severe hypertension or angina. Hypertension is another term for high blood pressure; angina is what doctors call any chest pain that is related to cardiovascular problems. Afeditab CR, as a calcium channel blocker, works to alter the way the blood vessels and heart use calcium. By doing this, MayoClinic.com reports, Afeditab CR can raise the level of oxygen the heart receives, decrease the work of the organ and relax the blood vessels. As with many other prescription medications, you should know the side effects of the drug to be aware of problems it can cause.
Bloating
The use of Afeditab CR can cause swelling and bloating in the face and the extremities, according to the MayoClinic.com. These conditions can occur in the legs and feet, and hands and arms, as well as in the facial area. Categorized as serious common side effects of the medication, these problems can require medical help. The MayoClinic.com recommends immediate consultation with a medical professional if such side effects occur.
Arrhythmia
Calcium channel blockers such as Afeditab CR can cause common serious side effects in the way the heart beats. It can cause a sensation of pounding in the chest and ears related to palpitations of the heart. It also can make the heart beat irregularly. The person's pulse may increase as the heart races in a condition known as tachycardia, the medical term for a rapid heart rate. All of these cardiac problems classify as arrhythmia and require immediate intercession from a doctor, MayoClinic.com recommends.
Breathing Problems
Afeditab CR can cause respiratory problems that classify as common and serious side effects of the medication. The medicine can make the person feel a tightness in the chest, as well as make him struggle to breathe. He may experience shortness of breath and he may make a whistling sound when he exhales called wheezing.
Weight Changes
The medication can cause sudden changes in the weight of the person taking it. She may gain weight rapidly without eating excessively. She may suddenly lose or gain weight in an unusual manner and without explanation. Medical attention is important if such a rapid weight change occurs, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Pain
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that Afeditab CR can cause unwanted changes in angina. While the medication usually works to reduce and eliminate angina's symptom of pain in the chest, Afeditab CR can actually increase the pain and make angina attacks occur more frequently than they previously did. These problems, too, require immediate contact with a doctor, the NIH states.
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