(Nifedipine)
General English name: Nifedipine
Brand: Adalat, Adanif, Adipine, Coracten, Fortipine, Nifedipress, Valni, Nifopress, Tensipine
Application: Hypertension - Angina - Raynaud's phenomenon
Nifedipine Pharmaceutical Information
Contraindications to the use of nifedipine
Nifedipine drug interaction
Tips to consider before taking nifedipine
Possible side effects of nifedipine
How to store nifedipine
Nifedipine Pharmaceutical Information
Medication Information: Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure or to prevent chest pain in angina. It is also used to treat Raynaud's disease, which is caused by poor blood circulation in the limbs. Nifedipine is usually prescribed in these cases.
Nifedipine dilates and relaxes vascular muscles. This process lowers blood pressure. Nifedipine increases blood flow to various areas of the body, including the limbs. It reduces heart rate and heart rate, and this mechanism prevents chest pain in angina. All of these effects are achieved by inhibiting the entry of calcium into smooth muscle. Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, so a decrease in calcium causes the muscles to relax.
Nifedipine is available as short-acting capsules (taken three times a day) as well as modified long-acting tablets and capsules (taken once or twice daily). Short-acting capsules are commonly used to treat Raynaud's, while tablets and capsules are modified to treat high blood pressure and angina. Modified tablets and capsules have names such as XL, LA, SR and MR after their brand name. Modified nifedipine is released slowly throughout the day.
Nifedipine is also available in combination with atenolol. The brand name of these drugs is beta-adalat. Combination medications such as beta-adalates reduce the number of pills you need to take during the day.
Contraindications to the use of nifedipine
- Note the expiration date of nifedipine and do not take it if it has expired.
- Never give nifedipine to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Do not take nifedipine more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Check for nifedipine drug interactions and be sure to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking nifedipine.
Nifedipine drug interaction
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications affect the rate at which nifedipine is removed from the body and its function. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications. These include enzalutamide, St. John's wort, some anticonvulsants (eg, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), cimetidine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough and cold medicines, dietary supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen). Because they may contain ingredients that increase heart rate. Talk to your pharmacist about taking these medicines.
Cimetidine is available over-the-counter in pharmacies and is commonly used to treat excess stomach acid. Because cimetidine may interact with nifedipine, be sure to consult your pharmacist if you want to take a medicine to reduce stomach acid while taking nifedipine.
Tips to consider before taking nifedipine
Some medications cannot be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking nifedipine:
- If you have any heart problems (other than angina or high blood pressure).
- If you are pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding.
- If you have diabetes.
- If there is a problem with your liver function.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of allergic reactions to certain medications.
.Possible side effects of nifedipine
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking this medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the doctor should be informed:
Headache, sudden anger: These symptoms usually appear early in the medication. But after a few days, they disappear. If the headache persists, ask your doctor to prescribe a suitable painkiller.
Swollen feet or ankles: Rest more and place your feet above body level when resting.
Gastrointestinal problems (such as constipation, indigestion, nausea, and bloating): Eat simple, light foods and avoid high-fat, spicy foods.
Dizziness, fatigue: Avoid driving and working with tools in this situation.
Important Note: Some people taking nifedipine may experience pain in their chest area early in treatment. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if this happens to you.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you think may be due to nifedipine.
How to store nifedipine
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.