Nifedipine

Nifedipine aids in the effective treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) as well as pain in the chest (angina). This medicine belongs to a drug group that effectively slows down the calcium activity in the blood vessels. Therefore, it helps in relaxing the heart muscles by increasing the flow of blood.

This drug should only be taken if it is prescribed by a doctor. Detailed information on current health problems, allergies as well as medication should be provided before the drug is prescribed.

For instance, patients suffering from a severe case of coronary artery disease are generally not prescribed with this medication. It is also not prescribed to the patients who have recently had a heart attack.

As it is not yet clear that this medication harms a fetus, women who are pregnant or are planning to conceive should inform their medical practitioner before starting this drug. In case this medication needs to be discontinued, it should be done gradually. Stopping the drug suddenly can aggravate the condition resulting in severe consequences.

The primary cardiac symptoms of calcium blocker overdose include hypotension and bradycardia. The hypotension is caused by peripheral vasodilation, myocardial depression, and bradycardia. Bradycardia results from sinus bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, or sinus arrest with junctional rhythm. Intraventricular conduction is usually not affected so QRS duration is normal.

In a few reported cases, overdose with calcium channel blockers has been associated with hypotension and bradycardia, initially refractory to atropine but becoming more responsive to this agent when larger doses (approaching 1 g/hour for more than 24 hours) of calcium chloride was administered.

Take as directed; do not alter dosage regimen or increase, decrease, or discontinue without consulting prescriber. Do not crush or chew tablets or capsules. Consult prescriber before increasing exercise routine (decreased angina does not mean it is safe to increase exercise).

Change position slowly to prevent orthostatic events. May cause dizziness or fatigue; use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known. Maintain good oral care and inspect gums for swelling or redness.

May cause frequent urination at night. Report irregular heartbeat, swelling, difficulty breathing or new cough, unresolved fatigue, unusual weight gain, unresolved dizziness or constipation, and swollen or bleeding gums.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

• Hypertension

  This medication is used in the treatment of hypertension which is an increase in the blood pressure caused by genetic and environmental factors.

• Angina Pectoris

  This medication is used in the treatment of Angina Pectoris which is a type of heart disease characterized by chest pain caused due to emotional stress and smoking.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

• Headache

• Oedema

• Decrease In Blood Pressure

• Constipation

• Feeling Sick

• Chills

• Erectile Dysfunction

• Polyuria

• Joint Swelling

• Muscle Cramps

• Erythema

• Elevated Liver Enzymes

• Dry Mouth

• Flatulence

• Dyspepsia

• Nausea

• Abdominal Pain

• Nose Bleed

• Syncope

• Palpitations

• Vertigo

• Anxiety Disorder

• Allergic Reaction

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  This effect of this medicine lasts for a duration of approximately 6 to 8 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 30 to 120 minutes for a conventional tablet and 6 hours for an extended release tablet.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  This medicine is found to be safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of the dose is not needed. However, consult to your doctor before taking it, whereas supplemental dose is not necessary.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in a patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose must be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it. Reduce oral dose by 50% to 60% in patients with cirrhosis.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Consumption of alcohol must be avoided while taking this medicine.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine affects the consciousness of the patient. Thus driving must be avoided while taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Nifedipine as ingredient

• Depicor 10 MG Tablet

  Merck Consumer Health Care Ltd

• Nifedine 10 MG Tablet

  Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd

• Nifed 10 MG Tablet

  West Coast Pharma Works

• Calbloc 5 MG Capsule

  Unichem Laboratories Ltd

• Cardipin 10 MG Tablet

  Zydus Cadila

• Calbloc 20 MG Tablet

  Unichem Laboratories Ltd

• Depin 10 MG Capsule

  Zydus Cadila

• Calnif 10 MG Tablet

  Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Nicardia 10 MG Tablet

  Jb Chemicals

• Myogard 10 MG Tablet

  Rpg Life Sciences Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

This medicine belongs to the class of a calcium channel blocker. It works by inhibiting the entry of calcium into the cardiac and vascular smooth muscles and prevents the contraction of the muscles and thereby reduces the blood pressure.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Cardiologist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

test

• Interaction with Alcohol

  Ethanol increased Nifedipine AUC by 53%; watch for a greater hypotensive effect.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Beta-blockers may have increased pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions with nifedipine.
  • Calcium may reduce the calcium channel blocker's effects, particularly hypotension.
  • Cimetidine reduced diltiazem's metabolism; consider an alternative H2 antagonist.
  • Cisapride increases nifedipine's effects; monitor blood pressure.
  • Nafcillin decreases plasma concentration of nifedipine; avoid this combination.
  • Phenobarbital reduces the plasma concentration of nifedipine. May require much higher dose of nifedipine.
  • Protease inhibitor like amprenavir and ritonavir may increase nifedipine's serum concentration.
  • Quinidine's serum concentration is reduced and nifedipine's is increased; adjust doses as needed.
  • Rifampin increases the metabolism of the calcium channel blocker; adjust the dose of the calcium channel blocker to maintain efficacy.
  • Tacrolimus's serum concentrations are increased by verapamil; avoid the combination. Use another calcium channel blocker or monitor tacrolimus trough levels and renal function closely.
  • Vincristine's half-life is increased by nifedipine; monitor closely for vincristine dose adjustment.

• Interaction with Food

  Consumption of grapefruit juice is not recommended as it increases the concentration of Nifedipine. Grapefruit juice increases the bioavailability of nifedipine; monitor for altered nifedipine effects. Inform the doctor if you experience dizziness, headache, swelling of hands and feet is necessary.

• Interaction with Disease

  Blood pressure lowering should be done at a rate appropriate for the patient's condition. Rapid drops in blood pressure can lead to arterial insufficiency. Increased angina and/or MI has occurred with initiation or dosage titration of calcium channel blockers. Use caution in severe aortic stenosis. Use caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment (may need dosage adjustment). Abrupt withdrawal may cause rebound angina in patients with CAD. Use caution in CHF (may cause worsening of symptoms).

• Ques : What is Nifedipine?

  Ans : This medication belongs to a drug group which effectively slows down the calcium activity in the blood vessels of the body.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Nifedipine before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Nifedipine?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Nifedipine empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Nifedipine?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Nifedipine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 7 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/nifedipine

• Nifedipine- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [Cited 7 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01115

• Adalat LA 20 mg prolonged-release tablets- EMC [Internet] medicines.org.uk. 2017 [Cited 7 December 2019]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6179/smpc