Generic Procardia XL

There are currently two types of generic Procardia XL available on the market -- Nifedipine extended-release tablets and Nifedical XL tablets. Nifedipine tablets are available in three strengths (30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg), while Nifedical XL tablets are available in two strengths (30 mg and 60 mg). The FDA has assigned all generic versions of Procardia XL an "AB" rating, meaning the generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name medication.

 

An Overview of Generic Procardia XL

Procardia XL® (nifedipine) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of chest pain (known medically as angina) and high blood pressure (hypertension). It is part of a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.
 
Procardia XL was first manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. However, it has since come off patent and is available as a generic.
 

Strengths of Generic Procardia XL

Generic Procardia XL tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Nifedipine extended-release 30 mg tablets
  • Nifedipine extended-release 60 mg tablets
  • Nifedipine extended-release 90 mg tablets.
     
One manufacturer (Teva Pharmaceuticals) has chosen to create a new name for its generic Procardia XL tablets -- Nifedical XL®. These tablets are available in two strengths:
 
  • Nifedical XL 30 mg tablets
  • Nifedical XL 60 mg tablets.
     

Who Makes Generic Procardia XL?

Generic Procardia XL is made by the following manufacturers:
 
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals
  • Kremers Urban.
     

Is Generic Nifedipine as Good as Procardia XL?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications.
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns each generic a rating. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Procardia XL versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Procardia XL. Keep in mind that there are many versions of nifedipine that are equivalent to other products (such as Adalat CC®), but not to Procardia XL.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;