Index
It is a calcium channel blocker medication used most often to treat high blood pressure, angina, and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Applications
Short-acting capsules are used to:
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: a condition in which the blood vessels of the hands and feet suffer a spasm that causes white, numb, and aching fingers and toes.
- Postpone premature labor (unauthorized use).
- Treatment of hiccups in palliative care.
Long-acting capsules and tablets are used to:
- Lowers high blood pressure.
- Prevent attacks of angina.
How does it work?
It works by blocking the calcium channels found in the muscle cells of the walls of the arteries. This action causes the arteries to relax and widen.
Nifedipine relaxes the peripheral arteries in the hands and feet, which improves blood circulation in the fingers and toes. This helps relieve the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon.
By relaxing and widening the small arteries around the body, Nifedipine reduces the resistance that the heart must press to pump blood around the body.
This reduces the pressure inside the blood vessels, reducing high blood pressure.
When there is less resistance in the arteries, the heart does not need to work so hard to pump blood around the body. Nifedipine also relaxes and widens the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.
This allows Nifedipine to avoid painful angina attacks when the heart does not get enough oxygen for its job.
How does it work in the heart?
Short-acting Nifedipine capsules take effect as soon as the medication is absorbed and then attenuated; These capsules should be taken three times a day.
Long-acting Nifedipine tablets and capsules release the medication constantly during the day and can be taken once or twice a day.
Nifedipine forms can be controlled release, slow-release, prolonged-release, modified release, or sustained release.
What brand-name drugs contain Nifedipine?
Nifedipine is a generic medicine. It is also available under several brands, including the following:
- Adalat capsules.
- Adalat LA.
- Adalat ritardando
- Add pine MR.
- Add pine XL.
- Clachan MR.
- Corten SR.
- Contacts XL.
- Fortipine LA.
- Nifedipress MR.
- Remodel XL.
- Tensipine MR.
- Valli XL.
Side effects and warnings
Nifedipine reduces blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
The most common side effects include headache, flushing, constipation, feeling tired and swollen ankles. These usually improve after a few days of treatment.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Nifedipine, which may worsen side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have severe vomiting or diarrhea due to a stomach infection or illness. You may need to stop taking Nifedipine until you feel better.
Several brands are also called Nifedipine, for example, Adalat, Adipine, Coracten, Fortipine, Nifedipress, Tensipine, and Valli. If the brand has other letters afterward (LX, LA, SR, MR, or Retard), Nifedipine is released slowly and evenly throughout the day.
Who can and can not take Nifedipine?
It is mainly used for adults over 18 years old, although occasionally prescribed for children.
Nifedipine is not suitable for some people.
To make sure that Nifedipine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- You have had an allergic reaction to Nifedipine or any other medication in the past.
- They are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- You have liver disease.
- You have a heart problem (in addition to high blood pressure), including a recent heart attack, heart failure, or unstable angina.
- He has diabetes.
Take Nifedipine precisely as your doctor has told you to and follow the instructions on the label. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dose
Your dose depends on why you need the medication and what type your doctor has prescribed.
Nifedipine comes in the form of “short-acting” capsules (immediate-release) or as “extended-release” tablets or capsules (slow-release). If you have liquid Nifedipine, it works like short-acting capsules.
Long-acting Nifedipine capsules or tablets release Nifedipine evenly throughout the day. This means that you do not need to take them as often.
Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure to decide the correct dose for you. Depending on why you are taking Nifedipine, the usual starting dose is:
- Short-acting or liquid capsules: 5 mg 3 times a day (every 8 hours).
- Long-acting pills or capsules: 10 mg twice a day (every 12 hours) or 20 to 30 mg once a day (every 24 hours, preferably in the morning).
If a doctor prescribes it to your child, the dosage will usually be lower. It will depend on how old your child is and how much they weigh.
Will my dose increase or decrease?
If the initial dose is not working well enough (your blood pressure is not low enough, or if you still have symptoms), you may need to increase your amount. If you are bothered by side effects, you may need to continue taking a lower dose.
The usual maximum doses are:
- Short-acting or liquid capsules: 20 mg 3 times a day (60 mg in total).
- Capsules or long-acting tablets: 40 mg twice a day or 90 mg once a day (a total of 80 or 90 mg per day).
Administration
Take the Nifedipine capsule or tablet as soon as you have taken it out of the blister pack. Nifedipine is very sensitive to light and will not work correctly if it has been left too long out of the package.
You can take Nifedipine at any time of the day, but try to ensure it is around the same time or the exact times a day. If you take too much Nifedipine by accident, contact your doctor or go immediately to the nearest hospital.
