Soy Content in Regular Procardia (Nifedipine)
Yes, Regular Procardia (nifedipine) contains soy lecithin as an inactive ingredient in its formulation.
According to the FDA drug label, nifedipine extended-release tablets contain lecithin (soy) as one of the inactive ingredients 1. This is specifically mentioned in the description of all three available dosage strengths (30mg, 60mg, and 90mg) of the medication.
Detailed Information About Soy Content in Procardia
The FDA drug label clearly lists the inactive ingredients in nifedipine extended-release tablets:
For 30mg tablets: "lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350, lecithin (soy), iron oxide yellow and iron oxide black" 1
For 60mg tablets: "lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, talc, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350, lecithin (soy), iron oxide red, iron oxide black and iron oxide yellow" 1
For 90mg tablets: "lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, iron oxide red, talc, macrogol/polyethylene glycol 3350, iron oxide yellow, titanium dioxide, lecithin (soy) and iron oxide black" 1
Clinical Implications for Patients with Soy Allergy
For patients with soy allergies, this information is critically important:
- Patients with known soy allergies should avoid Regular Procardia due to the presence of soy lecithin
- Allergic reactions to soy can range from mild (hives, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis)
- Healthcare providers should consider alternative calcium channel blockers for patients with soy allergies
Alternative Medications for Patients with Soy Allergy
For patients who need a calcium channel blocker but have soy allergies, alternative options may include:
- Amlodipine - A long-acting calcium channel blocker that has been shown to be at least as effective as nifedipine in treating hypertension 2
- Other calcium channel blockers such as felodipine or diltiazem (formulation-dependent)
Always check the specific formulation's inactive ingredients, as excipients can vary between manufacturers even for the same medication.
Important Considerations
- The soy content in Procardia is in the form of lecithin, which is used as an excipient
- While many people with soy allergies can tolerate soy lecithin, those with severe soy allergies should exercise caution
- Patients should always inform healthcare providers about all allergies before starting any medication
This information is essential for making appropriate medication choices for patients with soy allergies to prevent potential adverse reactions while ensuring effective treatment of their cardiovascular conditions.