Indication:

Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Raynaud's syndrome, Stroke prevention

Pharmacology:

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that prevents calcium ions from crossing the membrane into muscle cells. Nifedipine acts as a selective dilator of arterial vessels. Nifedipine is a diuretic that dilates the coronary and systemic arteries. As a result, blood pressure drops, triggering a sympathetic reflex that causes tachycardia and a rise in cardiac output.

Dosage (breakdown or, not) :

Nifedipine 10 mg: Angina: Start with 10 mg three times a day with food, then increase to 20 mg three times a day if needed; in elderly patients, start with 5 mg three times a day.

Raynaud's Phenomenon: 10 mg three times per day; maximum of 60 mg per day. In an emergency, dissolve the tablet under the tongue like a sublingual tablet. Within a few minutes, the effect appears.

Administration:

Immediate-release: May be taken with or without food. Avoid grapefruit juice. Retard, GITS & OROS: May be taken with or without food. Avoid grapefruit juice. Swallow whole, do not chew/crush.

Interaction:

• ACE inhibitors have a more potent hypotensive effect.
• Quinidine plasma concentration is reduced, resulting in anti-arrythmic effects.
• Antibacterials: Rifampicin may increase Nifedipine metabolism.
• Anti-epileptic drugs cause phenytoin levels in the blood to rise.
• Antipsychotics have a more potent hypotensive effect.

Contraindications:

GI obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, hypotension, cardiogenic shock, advanced aortic stenosis, nursing mothers

Side Effect:

There have been reports of headaches, flushing, lethargy, gravitational oedema rash, nausea, increased micturation frequency, eye pain, gum hyperplasia, depression, tremor, photosensitivity, and a few cases of jaundice. When therapy is stopped, these reactions may go away. Some patients with angina pectoris may experience attacks of ischaemic pain as a result of its use.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

There are no satisfactory and well controlled thinks about in pregnant ladies. It ought to be utilized amid pregnancy as it were in the event that the potential advantage legitimizes the potential hazard to the baby.

Precautions & Warnings:

Tablets ought to be gulped entire and ought to not be chomped, chewed or broken up. It ought to be utilized with caution in understanding whose cardiac save is destitute. Ought to be pulled back in the event that ischaemic torment happens or existing torment declines without further ado after starting treatment. Utilize in diabetic patients requires alteration of their control. Since the assimilation of the sedate may well be adjusted by renal illness, caution ought to be worked out in treating such patients.

Storage Conditions

Protect from direct sunlight and keep in the original packaging in a cool place.