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Nifedipine - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Nifedipine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Nifedipine?

Nifedipine is a medicine to treat high blood pressure and increase oxygen supply to the heart. The drug is available only with a prescription. Nifedipine can be purchased as a tablet and capsule and helps prevent heart failure, stroke, and heart attack.

In some cases, Nifedipine is available as drops or liquid. Nifedipine is recommended only for adults and rarely prescribed to children. The medicine belongs to a class of medications that are known as calcium-channel blockers.

What are the uses of Nifedipine?

Your doctor will prescribe Nifedipine to control high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). You should not stop the medication unless the doctor recommends otherwise. The medicine has other brand names that include Adalat, Fortipine, Tensipine, Nifedipress, and Coracten.

Doctors may sometimes prescribe Nifedipine chilblains (painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin) and Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition that causes reduced blood flow to the fingers).

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What are the side effects of Nifedipine?

Nifedipine helps prevent chest pain, but it cannot cure it. The drug, however, can cause several side effects. Some experts believe that consuming grapefruit with Nifedipine may have adverse effects.

  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Feeling tired

Some people may have serious side effects like the one listed below.

  • Severe rash
  • Increased chest pain
  • Wheezing
  • Swelling of eyes, lips, hands, arms, lower legs, and ankles
  • Increase in chest pain

If the symptoms persist or become severe, speak to your doctor immediately or seek emergency care.

S.no Product Name Dosage Form
1. Nicardia Retard Nifedipine 5mg/10mg Tablet
2. Calcigard Retard Nifedipine 10mg/20mg Tablet
3. Nicardia XL Nifedipine 30mg Tablet
4. Depin Nifedipine 10mg Capsule
5. Anorelief Lidocaine 1.5% + nifedipine 0.3%w/w Cream

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Nifedipine

1. Can I take Nifedipine at night?

You can take Nifedipine at any time of the day. It is helpful to have the medicine at the same time every time. Your doctor can recommend the best time to take the drug. It is best consumed one or two hours before a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets but swallow the medicine.

2. How long does Nifedipine stay in your system?

Some experts believe that Nifedipine stays in the system for seven hours. After you stop the medicine, traces are still present in urine and feces. Do not stop Nifedipine (as it may increase your blood pressure and the risk of a stroke and heart attack) unless your doctor suggests otherwise.

3. How long does it take for Nifedipine to work?

Nifedipine starts working from the day you start taking it. However, it takes a few weeks before it starts to take effect. Studies show that Nifedipine is absorbed quickly in the blood. It is short-acting and takes thirty minutes to peak when taken orally. Consume the medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.

4. Is Nifedipine a beta-blocker?

Nifedipine is a beta-blocker that helps to lower high blood pressure. Beta-blockers treat several medical conditions like heart failure and migraine. The drug belongs to a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers (that helps to dilate arteries and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood).

5. Does Nifedipine lower heart rate?

Nifedipine relaxes the blood vessels and increases the blood supply and oxygen to the heart. It controls the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart. Nifedipine can reduce the amount of work that the heart must do and lowers the heart rate. You should take the medicine at the same time and the same dosage, as directed by your physician, every day.

6. Does Nifedipine make you pee?

One of the possible side effects of Nifedipine is that you may need to urinate more than usual. Experts suggest that it does not affect the pressure in the bladder or urethra. If you have any unusual symptoms that are affecting your day-to-day routine, let your doctor know immediately.

7. How to stop taking Nifedipine?

Never stop taking Nifedipine abruptly. It can increase your blood pressure or increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. In case you feel that Nifedipine is causing you discomfort, let your doctor know. Your doctor can prescribe a different medicine for your medical concern.

8. Is Nifedipine a diuretic?

Nifedipine is not a diuretic. It comes from a class called calcium channel blockers or calcium antagonists. Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain or angina. Doctors also recommend the medicine to cure Raynaud’s phenomenon (which causes discoloration in toes and fingers).

9. Is Nifedipine a blood thinner?

The medicine is not a blood thinner. Blood thinners or anticoagulants contain chemical components that prevent blood coagulation and prolongs blood clotting time. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that helps to lower high blood pressure. If you are already taking blood thinners, let your doctor know.

10. Is Nifedipine safe to take?

Nifedipine is a safe medicine that causes few side effects. The medication is only available with a prescription. Never stop having the drug on your own. In case you miss a dose, never take a double dosage. If you have severe side effects, alert your doctor immediately.

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References
  1. https://beta.dawaiwala.com/mgsalts/210357
  2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684028.html

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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