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molecule

Nifedipine

Molecule Description

Nifedipine is a medicine used to manage chest pain and high blood pressure and

chest pain. It belongs to a group of drugs called ‘calcium channel blockers.’

uses

Uses of Nifedipine

  • High blood pressure (mild to moderate hypertension)
  • Chest pain related to heart disease (stable angina pectoris – chest pain due to inadequate oxygen supply to heart)
contraindications

Contraindications of Nifedipine

When should one not use Nifedipine

  • You are allergic to Nifedipine or any of its components
  • You had a heart attack within the last month
  • You have sudden, irregular chest pain
  • If you are taking Rifampicin (used to treat TB)
  • If you are diagnosed disease with infections of the liver, intestines, oesophagus (food tube) or had any surgeries done for these organs
  • You have any heart valve disease or you ever collapsed because your heart could not pump enough blood (cardiogenic shock)
sideEffects

Side effects of Nifedipine

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Reddened skin
  • Generalized discomfort
  • Swelling of ankles and legs
  • Stomach pain, stomach upset, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, dry mouth, muscle cramps, dizziness, anxiety, dizziness, spinning of the head, painful or difficult urination, improper penile er...
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  • Severe allergic reactions (low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, fast breathing), skin swelling, rapid heart rate, itching, blisters, mouth gum disease
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Nifedipine

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Nifedipine during pregnancy?
A:
Adequate data is not available. Available information suggests a possibility to harm the unborn baby while taking Nifedipine, it is not recommended in pregnancy unless it is necessary, and there are no other alternatives.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Nifedipine while breastfeeding?
A:
Nifedipine is secreted in breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You are advised to discontinue either Nifedipine or breastfeeding.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Nifedipine?
A:
Nifedipine may make you feel dizzy, faint, exhausted or have visual disturbances. Do not drive if you experience such symptoms. Even in the absence of any symptoms, driving for long distances is not advisable.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Nifedipine?
A:
Both alcohol and Nifedipine lower blood pressure, and alcohol is also harmful for the heart. Hence you may stay away from alcohol while taking Nifedipine.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You have low blood pressure or a weak heart
  • You have diabetes
  • You are on dialysis for kidney failure
  • You have liver problems
  • If you notice increased breathlessness, swelling of the ankles or sudden or irregular chest pains, inform your doctor immediately
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Nifedipine

How Does It Work?

Calcium ions are needed for effective working of smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels. Nifedipine blocks calcium channels and thus causes blood vessels to relax (decreases blood pressure), im...
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interactions

Interactions of Nifedipine

Interactions with other medicines

  • Any other medicines to treat high blood pressure
  • Certain medicines used to treat the heart (Diltiazem, Digoxin, Quinidine, Atenolol, Metaprolol, Propranolol)
  • Cimetidine (reduces stomach acid)
  • Anti-seizure medications (Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Valproic Acid)
  • Certain medicines used to treat bacterial infections (Rifampicin, Erythromycin)
  • Antifungals (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Fluconazole)
  • Certain medicines used to treat HIV/ AIDS (Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Amprenavir)
  • Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicines (Fluoxetine, Nefazodone, Phenobarbital)
  • Tacrolimus (immunosuppressant)

Interactions with food items

Nifedipine does not interact with food and can be taken before or after meals.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Nifedipine

Avoid grapefruit or its juice if you are on Nifedipine as it increases the medicine levels in your body, leading to side effects. When you are starting treatment with Nifedipine, make sure you did not...
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dosage

Dosage of Nifedipine

Overdose

High overdose of Nifedipine can be life-threatening (depending on the condition it is used for) and there may be excessive lowering of blood pressure, slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fai...
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Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time (less than 6 hours) for your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to match up for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: Is there anything else I should know while taking Nifedipine?

  • Be alert for any unwanted symptoms
  • Inform your doctor if you are taking any new medicines or any irregular heartbeats, chest pain or dizziness
  • Do not self-adjust or stop the medicine on your own
  • Do not take any calcium supplements or high calcium foods (milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc.) as they may affect the efficacy of Nifedipine
  • The medicine should not be given in children and adolescents below 18 years of age

Q: I don’t feel comfortable taking Nifedipine. Can I stop taking the medicine?

  • No, you should not stop or reduce the dose of Nifedipine without the consultation of your doctor
  • Discontinuing the medicine abruptly can cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats or chest pain which can be critical
  • The dosage has to be reduced gradually or replaced with a suitable medicine under the supervision of your doctor
  • Take medicine exactly as prescribed
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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