Nifedipine is an inhibitor of Calcium Channel Blocker that blocks the transmembrane influx of Calcium ions into muscle cells. Nifedipine has selective effects as a dilator of arterial vessels. Nifedipine dilates main coronary and systemic arteries. As a result blood pressure falls and this elicits a sympathetic reflex response causing tachycardia and an increased cardiac output. Pulmonary arterial pressure also falls. Nifedipine has direct negative inotropic effects on cardiac muscles and these effects are seen at higher doses than dose which causes arterial vasodilatation.
20 mg twice daily with food.
ACE inhibitors: Enhanced hypotensive effect.
Anti-arrythmics: Plasma concentration of quinidine is reduced.
Anti-bacterials: Rifampicin possibly increases metabolism of Nifedipine.
Anti-epileptics: Plasma concentration of phenytoin increases.
Antipsychotics: Enhanced hypotensive effect.
β-blockers: Occasionally severe hypotension and heart failure may occur.
Cyclosporin: Plasma concentration of Nifedipine possibly increases.
Muscle relaxants: Effect of muscle relaxants e.g. tubocurarine increases.
Ulcer healing drugs: Metabolism of Nifedipine increases.
Cardiogenic shock, advanced aortic stenosis, nursing mothers, GI obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, hypotension, should be swallowed whole & should not be bitten, chewed or broken up. It should be used with caution in patient whose cardiac reserve is poor.
Headache, flushing, lethargy, gravitational oedema, rash, nausea, increased frequency of micturition, eye pain, gum hyperplasia, depression, tremor, photosensitivity & few cases of jaundice have been reported.
It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Protect from strong light, store in a cool place in the original pack
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