Procardia XL and Dry Mouth

Approximately 1 to 3 percent of people taking Procardia XL develop a dry mouth. If you are taking Procardia XL and dry mouth becomes a problem, you can try sipping water or sugarless drinks often, using a humidifier at night, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. If these suggestions don't help, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

 

Procardia XL and Dry Mouth: An Overview

A dry mouth is one of the possible side effects of Procardia XL® (nifedipine). In studies, between 1 and 3 percent of people taking Procardia XL reported experiencing a dry mouth.
 

Procardia XL and Dry Mouth: Recommendations

For people taking Procardia XL, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:
 
  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
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  • Sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.
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  • Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.
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  • Avoiding tobacco or alcohol; they dry out the mouth.
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  • Using a humidifier at night.
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  • Being aware of spicy or salty foods, as they may cause pain in a dry mouth.
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  • Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.
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Procardia XL and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you develop a dry mouth while taking Procardia XL and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
 There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on the severity of your dry mouth, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Procardia XL dosage or try another angina or high blood pressure medicine.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;