Nifedipine

Filed under: Anti Angina Medication, Anti Hypertensive Medication, Painkillers & Migraine Medication, Vasodilators

Displayed: Nifedipine Adalat 10mg

Nifedipine is given as a regular medication to help control high blood pressure and angina. It belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Unlike some other anti-angina drugs (such as beta blockers) nifedipine can be safely used by asthmatics. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Raynauds syndrome (a circulation problem) benefits from nifedipine. As with drugs of this class it may be the cause of reducing blood pressure to low and at times can cause a disturbance in heart rhythm. It is possible in rare cases that nifedipine cause the symptoms of angina to become worse. If this does happen another drug will need to be substituted in place of nifedipine.

The approved uses for nifedipine are the long-term treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris. In hypertension, recent clinical guidelines generally favour diuretics and ACE inhibitors, although calcium channel antagonists are still favoured as primary treatment for older black patients. More information

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Anti angina & hypertensive medication with overdose danger – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may further reduce blood pressure resulting in dizziness and other problems.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed Nifedipine suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Gastro-intestinal disturbance; hypotension, oedema, vasodilatation, palpitation; headache, dizziness, lethargy, asthenia; Ankle Swelling, Dizziness, Fatique, Flushing.
Less Common: Tachycardia, syncope, chills, nasal congestion, dyspnoea, anxiety, sleep disturbance, vertigo, migraine, paraesthesia, tremor, polyuria, dysuria, nocturia, erectile dysfunction, epistaxis, myalgia, joint swelling, visual disturbance, sweating, hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema, jaundice, pruritus, urticaria, and rash).
Rare: Anorexia, gum hyperplasia, mood disturbances, hyperglycaemia, male infertility, purpura, and photosensitivity reactions; also reported dysphagia, intestinal obstruction, intestinal ulcer, bezoar formation (with some modified-release preparations), gynaecomastia, agranulocytosis, and anaphylaxis.

How ironic one of the more common side effects of taking nifedipine is headache yet here is a link to a study carried out where nifedipine was tested to see how well the drug responded to sufferers of migraine and tension headache… The out Come was: “Nifedipine is a useful agent for the management of migraine as it reduces frequency and severity of pain but the drug cannot be recommended for tension headache”.

The side effects listed here are the most common, less common and rare problems reported by patients using nifedipine It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the less common, rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There would be no expected problems if this drug is taken over a prolonged period.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

These activities should be avoided until you have become aware of how nifedipine affects you. It is possible for the drug to cause dizziness due to lowering blood pressure. Alcohol should also be avoided as it may further reduce the blood pressure leading to among other things dizziness.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Not normally recommended. It is possible for the drug to cause abnormalities in the foetus and may delay the onset of labour. Manufacturer advises to avoid before week 20; the drug also passes into the breast milk. Amount too small to be harmful but manufacturers advice is to avoid nifedipine. You should discuss both of these important issues with your doctor. Nifedipine should only be used if the benefits to the mother out-weigh the potential negativity.

Nifedipine is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

It is possible that nifedipine may interact with some general anaesthetics which may lead to a fall in blood pressure. Before any form of surgery you will need to discuss this issue with your doctor.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

It may be necessary to reduce the dosage for the over sixties as it is possible to experience increased side effects. Nifedipine is not recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

A large overdose may well cause dizziness, so you would need to notify your doctor. However, having said that if an unintentional extra dose had been taken it would be unlikely to cause any reason for concern.

Other Medication Reactions

Please be aware the list below of varying reactions may not be complete. However, by letting your doctor or pharmacist know of other conventional, herbal/vitamin, over the counter or complementary medicines you are taking, will ensure the health care professional will be-able to prescribe for you safely.

As well as increasing the effects of phenytion, nifedipine may also increase the effects and toxicity of digoxin. Nifedipine effects may be increased by Grapefruit Juice, while hifampicin may do the opposite and decrease the effects of nifedipine. If you take any of the antihypertensive drugs it is possible that nifedipine may increase the effects of these drugs.

There is a possiblity of severe hypotension and heart failure when nifedipine is given with beta-blockers; Calcium-channel Blockers: plasma concentration of both drugs may increase when diltiazem given with nifedipine; nifedipine enhances effects of non-depolarising muscle relaxants. Enhanced hypotensive effect when nifedipine is given with vardenafil.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally you would have already checked with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Consult your doctor before you stop taking this medication. Any sudden withdrawal may make the angina worse.

Effect Of Medication

If the capsules are bitten effects may be felt within minutes. Otherwise the effects of this drug can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes. The lasting effects of drug can be felt for between 6 to 24 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take nifedipine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep nifedipine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. This way your unwanted medicines to not become a danger to our environment.

If nifedipine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.