Chem mart Nifedipine

Generic Name: Nifedipine
Product Name: Chem mart Nifedipine

Indication

Nifedipine is used to treat angina due to coronary heart disease. Nifedipine is also used to treat hypertension.

Action

Nifedipine belongs to a class of drugs called Calcium Channel Blockers. These drugs work by slowing the rate at which calcium flows into heart and blood vessel muscle cells, without changing the levels of calcium in the blood. Nifedipine increases the amount of blood flow to the heart muscle by relaxing the arteries of the heart, and decreases the amount of work done by the heart by relaxing blood vessels in the body so that blood pressure is lower, and blood is easier to pump out of the heart.

Dose advice

The initial dose of Nifedipine that is given is 10 to 20 mg twice daily (doses are recommended to be 12 hours apart) and 20 mg twice daily is the usual adult dose that is used. If necessary the dose of Nifedipine can be increased however it should not exceed 80mg per day.

When the patient is taking other antihypertensive drugs in addition to Nifedipine dosing may be altered. Patients with hepatic dysfunction should commence Nifedipine at a dose of 10 mg twice daily and should be monitored carefully.

When ceasing Nifedipine the dose should be gradually decreased particularly if high doses have been given.

Schedule

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Common side effects

Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Although safe, when nifedipine is used in conjunction with other anti-high blood pressure medications, decreased blood pressure may occur. This can cause dizziness

Ankle swelling (Peripheral Edema): Mild swelling of the lower extremities due to blood vessel relaxation occurs in 1 in 10 patients. This usually responds to diuretic therapy.

Other common side effects include: headaches, nausea.

Uncommon side effects

Increased Angina: As with other medications that act on blood vessels, nifedipine may very rarely cause angina pectoris attacks and palpatations at the start of treatment.

Other less common side effects (<1%) include: abdominal pain, tiredness, muscle and joint aches, trouble sleeping, nervousness, rash, itch, increased urination frequency.

For further information talk to your doctor.