Nifedipine

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Nifedipine page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Nifedipine is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Nifedipine - Learn More

Nifedipine

Nifedipine Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before using nifedipine, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure the medication is appropriate, especially considering the following precautions:
- Heart Conditions: Nifedipine should be used cautiously in patients with heart failure, particularly those with left ventricular dysfunction. It can worsen symptoms of heart failure in some cases. Nifedipine may also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, so it should be monitored closely in individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Nifedipine is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy, meaning its safety during pregnancy is not well-established. It should only be used when clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is also present in breast milk, so caution is required when breastfeeding.
- Liver Impairment: Nifedipine is metabolized in the liver, so individuals with liver disease or impairment may require a dose adjustment and close monitoring for adverse effects.
- Kidney Impairment: Nifedipine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, especially in high doses, as it may lead to complications like fluid retention or worsening renal function.
- Gastrointestinal Concerns: Nifedipine may cause constipation or other gastrointestinal issues in some individuals, particularly the extended-release forms.
- Older Adults: Older patients may be more sensitive to the effects of nifedipine, particularly regarding blood pressure changes and fluid retention, requiring careful monitoring.

Nifedipine Indication - Uses and Benefits

Nifedipine is prescribed for various cardiovascular conditions, including:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing strain on the heart.
- Angina (Chest Pain): Nifedipine helps prevent or relieve angina by dilating blood vessels and improving oxygen supply to the heart, reducing the frequency and severity of chest pain.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Nifedipine is used to treat Raynaud’s disease, a condition where blood flow to the fingers and toes is reduced, leading to pain, numbness, and color changes. By dilating the blood vessels, nifedipine helps improve circulation.
- Preterm Labor (Off-label use): Nifedipine is sometimes used off-label to help stop preterm labor in pregnant women, though this is done under strict medical supervision.

Nifedipine Contraindications - Important Warnings

Nifedipine should not be used in the following situations:
- Severe Hypotension: Nifedipine can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, so it should be avoided in patients with severe hypotension.
- Recent Heart Attack: Nifedipine is contraindicated in patients who have recently had a heart attack (within the past few weeks) as it may worsen heart function or cause arrhythmias.
- Cardiogenic Shock: Nifedipine should not be used in patients experiencing cardiogenic shock (a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs) due to its vasodilatory effects.
- Severe Liver Disease: As nifedipine is metabolized in the liver, its use is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment or cirrhosis.
- Hypersensitivity: Individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to nifedipine or other calcium channel blockers should avoid its use.

Nifedipine Side Effects - What to Expect

Common side effects of nifedipine may include:
- Flushing: A feeling of warmth or redness in the face and neck is a common side effect due to the vasodilation effect of nifedipine.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Especially when standing up quickly, nifedipine can cause dizziness due to its blood pressure-lowering effect.
- Headache: Headaches can occur due to the dilation of blood vessels.
- Swelling: Peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles and feet) is a common side effect, particularly with extended-release forms.
- Constipation: Nifedipine may cause constipation due to its relaxing effects on smooth muscle.
- Palpitations: Some individuals may experience an increased heart rate or irregular heartbeats.
- Rash or Skin Reactions: Allergic skin reactions like rash or itching can occur.
- Severe Side Effects:
- Severe Hypotension: Excessive blood pressure reduction can lead to symptoms like fainting, dizziness, and shock.
- Heart Failure Exacerbation: In some individuals, nifedipine may worsen heart failure symptoms, particularly if used at high doses.
- Liver Dysfunction: Prolonged use of nifedipine can lead to liver enzyme abnormalities, which may indicate liver damage or dysfunction.
- Angioedema: Rarely, nifedipine may cause angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or throat), which can be a serious allergic reaction.

Nifedipine Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

3

Nifedipine Mode of Action - How It Works

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically targeting L-type calcium channels found in the smooth muscle of blood vessels and the heart. Its mechanism of action includes:
- Vasodilation: By inhibiting calcium ion entry into smooth muscle cells, nifedipine causes blood vessels to relax and dilate. This helps lower blood pressure and reduce the heart's workload.
- Reduced Heart Contraction Force: By decreasing calcium availability, nifedipine reduces the force of contraction of the heart muscle, which can be beneficial in conditions like angina.
- Decrease in Myocardial Oxygen Demand: With reduced vascular resistance and heart contraction strength, nifedipine lowers the oxygen demand of the heart muscle, thus helping alleviate chest pain in patients with angina.
- Improved Blood Flow: The vasodilatory effects also improve blood flow to various organs, including the heart, and reduce symptoms related to reduced circulation, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Nifedipine Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Nifedipine interacts with several medications and substances:
- Other Antihypertensive Medications: Combining nifedipine with other antihypertensive drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta-blockers) can lead to excessive blood pressure reduction, causing hypotension. Close monitoring of blood pressure is required.
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers: Nifedipine is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, so drugs that inhibit (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) or induce (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) this enzyme can alter nifedipine levels, either increasing the risk of side effects or reducing its efficacy.
- Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit juice inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme and can increase nifedipine levels in the blood, leading to a higher risk of side effects like hypotension and dizziness.
- Anticoagulants: Nifedipine can interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), possibly affecting their metabolism and leading to altered levels of the anticoagulant, increasing bleeding risk.
- Digoxin: Nifedipine can increase the blood levels of digoxin, potentially causing digoxin toxicity, which requires monitoring for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
- Other Calcium Channel Blockers: Combining nifedipine with other calcium channel blockers can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, including excessive lowering of blood pressure and heart rate.

Nifedipine Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The dosage of nifedipine varies depending on the condition being treated:
- For Hypertension: The typical starting dose is 30-60 mg once daily of the extended-release form. The dose can be adjusted in increments of 30-60 mg, depending on the response, up to a maximum of 120 mg per day.
- For Angina: The initial dose is typically 30-60 mg once daily, with adjustments based on the patient's response.
- For Raynaud’s Phenomenon: The usual dose is 30-60 mg daily, which may be adjusted depending on the severity of symptoms and patient tolerance.
- For Preterm Labor (Off-label use): The dosage for preterm labor may range from 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours initially, depending on medical supervision.

Nifedipine Child Dose - Dosage for Children

Nifedipine is not typically recommended for children due to insufficient safety and efficacy data. However, in some cases of severe hypertension or other off-label uses, pediatric dosing may be considered under the guidance of a pediatrician:
- For Hypertension in Children: The dosage will vary depending on the child's age, weight, and the severity of hypertension, but it is generally started at a low dose, with gradual adjustments based on response and side effects.
- For Angina or Other Conditions: In rare cases, pediatric dosing will be adjusted carefully by a healthcare provider with experience in treating children with nifedipine.

Nifedipine Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, no significant dose adjustments for nifedipine are usually required. However, careful monitoring is advised.
For patients with severe renal impairment, nifedipine should be used with caution as accumulation of the drug may occur. A lower starting dose is often recommended, and the patient should be closely monitored for side effects such as dizziness or swelling.