Nifedipine is a drug to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It can also be used to prevent angina and treat Raynaud's phenomenon.
Nifedipine works by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the blood vessels and heart. With calcium inhibition, blood vessels will be more relaxed and can be more dilated. That way, blood flow will be smoother and the workload of the heart will also become lighter.
Nifedipine trademark: Adalat Oros, Pharmalat ER, Niften, Nifedipine, Zendalat
What is Nifedipine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Calcium antagonist |
| Benefit | Treat hypertension, prevent angina, treat Raynaud's phenomenon |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Nifedipine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Nifedipine can be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Nifedipine
Nifedipine should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking nifedipine:
- Do not take nifedipine if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with nifedipine because it can worsen side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from heart disease, liver disease, galactose intolerance, kidney disease, digestive disorders, or metabolic disorders.
- Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking nifedipine.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, and herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking nifedipine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Nifedipine
The dose of nifedipine varies depending on the type of preparation and the condition to be treated. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Hypertension
Shape immediate release:
- Initial dose: 5 mg 3 times a day
- Follow-up dose: 10–20 mg 3 times daily
Shape extended release:
- Initial dose: 10–40 mg twice daily or 20–90 mg once daily
Condition: Angina pectoris
Shape immediate release:
- Initial dose: 5 mg 3 times a day
- Continued dose 10–20 mg 3 times daily
Shape extended release:
- Initial dose: 10–40 mg twice daily or 30–90 mg once daily
Condition: Raynaud's syndrome or Raynaud's phenomenon
Shape immediate release:
- Initial dose: 5 mg 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 20 mg 3 times a day
Shape extended release:
- Initial dose: 20 mg once daily
- Maximum dose: 90 mg once daily
How to Use Nifedipine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and always read the instructions on the medicine package when taking nifedipine. Do not reduce, increase, or stop treatment carelessly.
This medicine can be taken before or after meals. Swallow nifedipine tablets whole with the help of water. Do not chew nifedipine tablets or crush them beforehand. Take this medicine regularly at the same time every day.
If you forget to take nifedipine, take this medicine as soon as possible if the interval between the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
During treatment with nifedipine, always do the control according to the schedule given by the doctor. This is important to do so that your condition can be monitored.
Store nifedipine at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Nifedipine with Other Drugs
The use of nifedipine with certain drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Increased risk of nifedipine side effects when used with itraconazole, lemborexant, cimetidine, fluoxetine, or abametapir
- Increase levels and effectiveness of amlodipine, ergotamine, erythromycin, everolimus, or simvastatin
- Increases risk of heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) if used with cerinitib, cisapride, dolasterone, or pimozide
- Increases risk of hypotension when used with tizanidine
- Lowers levels and reduces the effectiveness of nifedipine when used with apalutamide, carbamazepine, phenytoin, John's wort, or rifampin
In addition to drugs, if nifedipine is taken together grapefruit, then there can be an increase in the level and effectiveness of nifedipine
Nifedipine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using nifedipine, including:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Red face
- Constipation
- Muscle cramp
Consult a doctor if the above complaints do not subside. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience any of the more serious side effects listed below:
- Swollen foot
- Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Faint
- Mood swings
- Shaking or tremor