ISOXSUPRINE Isoxsuprine is used for:

Improving blood flow in some conditions (eg, cerebral vascular insufficiency, arteriosclerosis obliterans, Buerger disease, Raynaud disease). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Isoxsuprine is a vasodilating agent. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in muscles and other tissues, which helps to improve blood flow (circulation) in these muscles and tissues. This medication is used along with other treatment for certain blood vessel diseases (e.g., arteriosclerosis obliterans, Raynaud's disease, Buerger's disease, cerebrovascular insufficiency). It works by widening blood vessels to help increase blood flow (improve circulation) to certain parts of the body (e.g., hands/feet, brain). This effect may help to decrease symptoms such as cold hands and feet, numbness, tingling, and decreased memory or judgment. Dizziness, flushing, stomach upset, nausea, shaking, or nervousness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, weakness. Seek immediate medical attention if this rare but very serious side effect occurs:chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash,itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. What is nifedipine? Nifedipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels. Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Nifedipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Nifedipine for Preterm Labor Examples

Generic Name

Brand Name

nifedipine

Adalat CC, Procardia

Nifedipine is a tocolytic medicine sometimes used during preterm labor to slow uterine contractions. Nifedipine is taken only by mouth (orally) as a tablet or capsule. Use of nifedipine for the treatment of preterm labor is an unlabeled use of the drug. Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is more commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. How It Works

Smooth muscle tissue, like the uterus, needs calcium to contract. Nifedipine blocks the passage of calcium into certain tissues, relaxing the uterine muscles and smooth muscles of blood vessels throughout the body. Why It Is Used

Nifedipine is used to treat preterm labor when:

Regular contractions of the uterus have thinned (effaced) the cervix and opened (dilated) it less than 4 cm, and the mother's amniotic sac has not broken. The mother is healthy. The fetus is alive and not in distress. Labor needs to be delayed for 24 to 48 hours. This delay is typically needed withcorticosteroid treatment to help fetal lungs mature. Sometimes labor is delayed so the mother can be moved to a hospital with special facilities for treating premature infants. Beta-sympathetic medicines (such as terbutaline) have not stopped uterine contractions. Treatment with other tocolytic medicines was stopped because of side effects.

How Well It Works

Small studies so far show that nifedipine may work better than other drugs to slow or stop preterm labor, with fewer problems for newborns. 1

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. Here are some important things to think about:

Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects. Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while. If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call911or other emergency services right away if you have:

Trouble breathing. Hives. Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

Constipation or diarrhea. Headache. Nausea. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Flushing or feeling warm.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.) What To Think About

Taking medicine Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk. There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed. Advice for women When you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Amlodipine Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidneyproblems. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. How to use amlodipine oral Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. If used for angina, this medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, chest pain continues or worsens).