Nifedipine

Uses	Hypertension
Therapy	Anti-Hypertensive
Side Effects	Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Swelling of the Ankles and Legs

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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

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

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)

Side effects

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 erection
Severe allergic reactions (low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, fast breathing), skin swelling, rapid heart rate, itching, blisters, mouth gum disease

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

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.

Breast Feeding

Nifedipine is secreted in breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You are advised to discontinue either Nifedipine or breastfeeding.

Driving

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

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.

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

Mode of Action

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), improves oxygen supply to the heart and the heart to beat slowly (lowers blood pressure and chest pain).

Interactions

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.

Dosage

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, fainting. Inform your doctor if you have any discomfort and in the presence of any disturbing symptoms, seek medical attention without delay.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

No, you should not stop or reduce the dose of Nifedipine without the consultation of your doctorDiscontinuing the medicine abruptly can cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats or chest pain which can be criticalThe dosage has to be reduced gradually or replaced with a suitable medicine under the supervision of your doctorTake medicine exactly as prescribed