Nifedipine – what it is for, how to take it and contraindications!

Nifedipine belongs  to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers . It works by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood  pressure) and angina (chest pain).

Nifedipine may  also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. You should not use Nifedipine  if you have severe coronary artery disease or if you have had a heart attack within the last 2 weeks.

Before taking Nifedipine , tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a history of stomach surgery, coronary artery disease, hypoactivity, diabetes , or congestive heart failure.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Nifedipine . You may need to stop using the drug  for a short time. Do not stop taking Nifedipine  without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel well.

Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

How should I take?

Take Nifedipine  exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may need to take an extended-release tablet on an empty stomach. Follow the instructions on your medication label  to take this medication  with or without food. Do not crush, chew or break a Nifedipine extended-release tablet . Swallow it all.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked frequently, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor’s office. Some tablet forms of Nifedipine  are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Nifedipine . You may need to stop using the drug  at least 36 hours before surgery. You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication . Call your doctor if you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you’re sweating more than usual.

If you are also taking a beta blocker (atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol and others) you should not stop using the beta blocker suddenly or you may have serious heart problems that Nifedipine will not prevent . Follow your doctor’s instructions to reduce your beta-blocker dose.

You should not stop using Nifedipine  suddenly. Stopping suddenly can make your condition worse. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue using this medication  even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Dosage:

Check the recommended dosage of Nifedipine below :

Usual Adult Dose of Nifedipine for Hypertension:

Initial dose:

• Extended-release tablets: 30 to 60 mg orally once daily A.
• dose can be gradually increased every 7 to 14 days.

Maximum dose:

• Adalat (R) CC: 90 mg/dia
• Procardia XL(R): 120 mg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine Prophylaxis:

Initial dose:

• Extended-release tablets: 30 mg orally once daily
• Immediate-release capsules: 10 mg orally 3 times daily

Usual Adult Dose of Nifedipine for Prophylaxis of Angina Pectoris:

Initial dose:

• Extended-release tablets: 30 to 60 mg orally once daily
• Immediate-release capsules: 10 mg orally 3 times daily A
• Dose can be gradually increased every 7 to 14 days.

Maintenance dose:

• Immediate-release capsules: 10 to 30 mg orally 3 to 4 times daily

Maximum dose:

Extended-release tablets:

• Adalat (R) CC: 90 mg/dia
• Procardia XL(R): 120 mg/day
• Immediate-release capsules: 180 mg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose:

• Procardia XL(R): 30 to 60 mg orally once daily
• Adalat(R) CC: 30 mg orally once daily

Usual Adult Dose of Nifedipine for Premature Labor:

Nifedipine  ‘s tocolytic properties have been evaluated in several studies. The doses used in these studies ranged from 10 to 40 mg as a “once” starting dose. Subsequent dosages ranged from 10 to 20 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed and tolerated to delay parturition.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertensive Emergency:

Children:

• Immediate-release capsules: 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg/dose (maximum 10 mg/dose) repeated every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• Maximum dose: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day

Starting doses less than or equal to 0.25 mg/kg/dose may result in a less dramatic reduction in blood pressure and be safer than higher starting doses. Some centers use starting doses of 0.1 mg/kg/dose.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

Extended-release tablets:

Children:

• 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses; dose must be titrated to that effect.

Maximum dose:

• 3 mg/kg/day up to 120 mg/day (or 180 mg/day in some centers).

Teens:

• Initial dose: 30 mg orally once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:

Children:

• 0.6 to 0.9 mg/kg/24 hours in 3 to 4 divided doses.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What should I avoid taking nifedipine?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Nifedipine  and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of this fruit with your doctor. Avoid getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and hold on tight to avoid falling.

Contraindications:

You should not take this medicine  if you are allergic to nifedipine , if you suffer from severe coronary heart disease or if you have had a heart attack within the last 2 weeks. To make sure Nifedipine  is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);
• kidney disease ;
• Congestive heart failure; or
• If you take other medications .

Especially an antibiotic or antifungal, an antidepressant, a blood pressure or heart medication, or medication  to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C. It is not known whether nifedipine  will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using this medicine .

Nifedipine can pass into  breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Nifedipine  prolonged-release tablet may contain lactose. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Nifedipine  if you have galactose intolerance, or severe problems with lactose (milk sugar).

Side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to nifedipine : hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Worsening angina;
• Dizziness, as if you were going to faint;
• Heartbeats fluttering in his chest;
• Chest pain or heaviness;
• Pain spreading into the jaw or shoulder;
• Nausea , sweating, general malaise;
• Swelling in your ankles or feet;
• Upper stomach pain , jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).