Generic
Nifedipine
6 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used for hypertension and angina prevention. It dilates blood vessels to lower blood pressure and reduce heart workload.
Description
Nifedipine is a specific and potent calcium-channel blocker with peripheral and coronary vasodilator properties. It prevents Ca ion from entering slow channels of cardiac and smooth muscles during depolarisation, producing peripheral and coronary vasodilatation. It reduces afterload, peripheral resistance and BP; increases coronary blood flow.
Indications
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Angina pectoris (chest pain)
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Heart failure
Therapeutic class
Calcium-channel Blockers
Pharmacological class
Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
Pharmacology
Nifedipine prevents calcium ion entry into slow channels of cardiac and smooth muscles during depolarisation, producing peripheral and coronary vasodilatation, reducing afterload, peripheral resistance and BP, and increasing coronary blood flow.
Mechanism of action
Dilates blood vessels to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Hypertension (immediate-release): 5 mg tid (initial); maintenance: 10-20 mg tid
- Hypertension (extended-release): 10-40 mg bid or 20-90 mg once daily
- Angina: 10 mg tid (initial); maintenance: 10-20 mg tid
- Raynaud's: 5-20 mg tid
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
- May be taken with or without food
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Ankle swelling
- Dizziness
- Edema
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
Precautions & warnings
- Do not abruptly discontinue (may cause ischaemic pain)
- Monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients
- Caution in renal disease
- Caution while driving (may cause dizziness)
- Avoid alcohol
Contraindications
- Acute MI
- Cardiogenic shock
- Acute unstable angina
- Treatment of anginal attack in chronic stable angina
- Advanced aortic stenosis
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- Additive antihypertensive effects with other antihypertensives
- Increased serum levels with CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Decreased bioavailability and efficacy with CYP3A4 inducers
- Severe hypotension with fentanyl
- Increased prothrombin time with coumarin anticoagulants
Food interactions
Caution with alcohol; consult doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Nifedipine may be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies show evidence of fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Nifedipine is probably safe during breastfeeding; no significant risk to baby.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose reduction.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Hypotension, tachycardia; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C; protect from light & moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Nifedipine