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Medicine nifedipine: Drug Database | Medication Decision Support

Side effects of nifedipine – NHS

Common side effects

These common side effects of nifedipine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Headaches

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Try not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Paracetamol is safe to take with nifedipine.

Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking nifedipine. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.

Feeling dizzy

If nifedipine makes you feel dizzy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or operate tools or machinery until the dizziness passes. Speak to a doctor if the dizzy feelings last for more than a couple of days.

Flushing

This usually happens when you first start taking nifedipine. Try cutting down on coffee, tea and alcohol. If the flushing is also making you feel hot, it might help to keep the room cool and use a fan. You could also spray your face with cool water or sip cold or iced drinks.

The flushing should go away after a few days, so try to carry on taking nifedipine for this time. If it does not go away or is causing you problems, contact your doctor.

A fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

If this happens regularly after you take your medicine, try to take it at a time when you can sit or lie down while the symptoms are at their worst. It might also help to cut down on alcohol, smoking, caffeine and big meals as these can make the problem worse.

If you have a history of heart disease, and you are having these symptoms for a long time, these symptoms do not improve, or you are concerned, speak to your doctor.

Swollen legs or ankles (oedema)

Try raising your legs when you’re sitting down.

Constipation

Eat plenty of high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals, and drink lots of water. Try to exercise regularly, for example by going for a daily walk or run. It’s OK to occasionally use a laxative.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or lasts more than a few days.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects after taking nifedipine are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Stop taking nifedipine and call 111 straight away if the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. These can be signs of liver problems.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

  • you get chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes, or is new or worse if you already have angina

Chest pain is a possible sign of a heart attack and needs to be checked as soon as possible.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to nifedipine.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

  • your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
  • you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
  • your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
  • your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
  • you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
  • someone faints and cannot be woken up
  • a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of nifedipine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 18 February 2022

Next review due: 18 February 2025

Nifedipine Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments

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Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 10 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg; 60 mg; 90 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

  • Hypertension
  • Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis
  • Angina Pectoris
Additional dosage information:
  • Renal Dose Adjustments
  • Liver Dose Adjustments
  • Dose Adjustments
  • Precautions
  • Dialysis
  • Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension

Extended-release tablets:

  • Initial dose: 30 to 60 mg orally once a day
  • Maintenance dose: 30 to 90 mg orally once a day
  • Maximum dose: Up to 120 mg/day

Comments:

  • Doses may be increased gradually every 7 to 14 days.
  • Some extended-release tablet manufacturers recommend a maximum dose of 90 mg/day.

Comments:

  • This drug should be used as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk management reduction program (e.g., lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, sodium intake limitations).
  • The largest benefit observed with use is the reduction in stroke risk; however, there were also reductions in myocardial infarctions and cardiovascular mortality.

Use: Treatment of hypertension to reduce the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions

Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis

Immediate-release capsules:

  • Initial dose: 10 mg orally 3 times a day
  • Maintenance dose: 10 to 30 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
  • Maximum doe: 180 mg/day

Extended-release tablets:

  • Initial dose: 30 to 60 mg orally once a day
  • Maintenance dose: 30 to 90 mg orally once a day
  • Maximum dose: Up to 120 mg/day

Comments:

  • Doses may be increased gradually every 7 to 14 days.
  • Immediate-release doses above 120 mg/day are usually not needed.
  • Some extended-release tablet manufacturers recommend a maximum dose of 90 mg/day.
  • Trials up to 8 weeks have shown reduced angina frequency and increased exercise tolerance; however, sustained effectiveness and safety beyond 8 weeks is unknown.

Uses:

  • Management of vasospastic angina confirmed by classical pattern of angina at rest accompanied by ST segment elevation, angina or coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine, OR angiographically demonstrated coronary artery spasm
  • Clinical presentation suggests a possible vasospastic component but where vasospasm has not been confirmed (e.g., pain has a variable threshold on exertion or when angina is refractory to nitrates and/or adequate doses of beta blockers)
  • Management of chronic stable angina/effort-associated angina without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents

Usual Adult Dose for Angina Pectoris

Immediate-release capsules:

  • Initial dose: 10 mg orally 3 times a day
  • Maintenance dose: 10 to 30 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day
  • Maximum doe: 180 mg/day

Extended-release tablets:

  • Initial dose: 30 to 60 mg orally once a day
  • Maintenance dose: 30 to 90 mg orally once a day
  • Maximum dose: Up to 120 mg/day

Comments:

  • Doses may be increased gradually every 7 to 14 days.
  • Immediate-release doses above 120 mg/day are usually not needed.
  • Some extended-release tablet manufacturers recommend a maximum dose of 90 mg/day.
  • Trials up to 8 weeks have shown reduced angina frequency and increased exercise tolerance; however, sustained effectiveness and safety beyond 8 weeks is unknown.

Uses:

  • Management of vasospastic angina confirmed by classical pattern of angina at rest accompanied by ST segment elevation, angina or coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine, OR angiographically demonstrated coronary artery spasm
  • Clinical presentation suggests a possible vasospastic component but where vasospasm has not been confirmed (e.g., pain has a variable threshold on exertion or when angina is refractory to nitrates and/or adequate doses of beta blockers)
  • Management of chronic stable angina/effort-associated angina without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Immediate-release capsules: Data not available

Extended-release tablets:

  • Mild liver dysfunction: Data not available
  • Moderate to severe liver dysfunction: Use with caution; frequent monitoring recommended. Providers should consider starting patients on the lowest available dose.

Dose Adjustments

Immediate-release capsules:
Rapid titration in patients under frequent assessment:

  • Day 1: 10 mg orally 3 times a day
  • Day 2: 20 mg orally 3 times a day
  • Day 3 and thereafter: 30 mg orally 3 times a day

Hospitalized patients under close supervision: Increase the dose in 10 mg increments (maximum single dose 30 mg) every 4 to 6 hours to control pain/arrhythmias.

Extended-release tablets:
Switching from immediate-release capsules:

  • Switch at the nearest equivalent total daily dose (e.g., 30 mg orally 3 times a day [in IR capsules] may be switched to 90 mg orally once a day [in ER tablets])

Discontinuation of treatment:

  • Doses should be gradually decreased and patients should be monitored for side effects.

Precautions

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

  • Immediate-release capsules should be swallowed whole, and may be taken with or without food.
  • Modified-release formulations should be taken after meals.
  • Extended-release formulations should be swallowed whole and should be taken on an empty stomach.
  • Extended release formulations should not be divided, crushed, or chewed.
  • Grapefruit juice should be avoided.

Storage requirements:

  • Immediate-release capsules: Protect from light and moisture; avoid freezing.
  • Extended-release tablets: Protect from light and moisture.

General:

  • Patients may take sublingual nitroglycerin concomitantly for acute angina.
  • Prolonged/modified/extended release formulations may not be bioequivalent to immediate-release formulations.

Monitoring:

  • Cardiovascular: Blood pressure, heart rate, and signs/symptoms of angina, especially during initiation and titration

Patient advice:

  • Inform patients that this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, blindness, headache, or nausea, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery until the full effects of the drug are seen.
  • Instruct patients to immediately report any signs/symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hepatitis/jaundice, or hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Patients receiving extended-release tablet formulations should be advised to not be concerned if they find a tablet in their stool.
  • Patients should be advised to speak to a healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • Patients should be advised to report all concurrent prescription and nonprescription medications or herbal products they are taking.

More about nifedipine

  • Check interactions
  • Compare alternatives
  • Pricing & coupons
  • Reviews (160)
  • Drug images
  • Side effects
  • Patient tips
  • During pregnancy
  • Drug class: calcium channel blocking agents
  • Breastfeeding
  • En español

Patient resources

  • Drug Information
  • Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets
  • Nifedipine Capsules
Other brands

Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat CC, Nifedical XL, . .. +2 more

Professional resources

  • Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hypertensive Emergency
  • Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis
  • Heart Failure

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Nifedipine instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Nifedipine tab. 10 mg: 20 or 50 pcs. (5477)

💊 Composition of Nifedipine

✅ Use of Nifedipine

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Description of the active ingredients of the preparation

Nifedipine
(Nifedipine)

The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions.
decisions about the use of a particular drug.

Update date: 2021.02.01

Marketing authorization holder:

VALENTA PHARMACEUTICS, PJSC
(Russia)

ATX code:

C08CA05

(Nifedipine)

Active substance:
nifedipine
(nifedipine)

Rec.INN

WHO registered

Dosage form

Nifedipine

Tab. 10 mg: 20 or 50 pcs.

reg. No.: P N002407/01
dated 24.11.09
– Indefinitely

Release form, packaging and composition
drug Nifedipine

10 pcs. – blisters (2) – packs of cardboard.
10 pcs. – blisters (5) – packs of cardboard.
20 pcs. – polymer cans (1) – packs of cardboard.
50 pcs. – polymer cans (1) – packs of cardboard.

Clinical and pharmacological group:

Calcium channel blocker

Pharmacotherapeutic group:

BMKK

Pharmacological action

Selective calcium channel blocker class II, dihydropyridine derivative. It inhibits the entry of calcium into cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. It has antianginal and hypotensive effect. Reduces the tone of vascular smooth muscle. Expands the coronary and peripheral arteries, reduces OPSS, blood pressure and slightly – myocardial contractility, reduces afterload and myocardial oxygen demand. Improves coronary blood flow. Virtually no antiarrhythmic activity. Does not inhibit myocardial conduction.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, it is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized during the “first pass” through the liver. Protein binding is 92-98%. Metabolized in the liver to form inactive metabolites. T 1/2 – about 2 hours Excreted mainly by the kidneys in the form of metabolites and in trace amounts unchanged; 20% is excreted through the intestines as metabolites.

Indications of the active substances of the drug

Nifedipine

Prevention of angina attacks (including vasospastic angina), in some cases – relief of angina attacks; arterial hypertension, hypertensive crises; Raynaud’s disease.

Open list of ICD-10 codes

I10 Essential [primary] hypertension
I20 Angina pectoris [angina pectoris]
I20.1 Angina with documented spasm (Prinzmetal’s angina, variant angina)
I73. 0 Raynaud’s syndrome

Dosage regimen

The method of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed.

Individual. For oral administration, the initial dose is 10 mg 3-4 times / day. If necessary, the dose is gradually increased to 20 mg 3-4 times / day. In special cases (variant angina pectoris, severe arterial hypertension) for a short time, the dose can be increased to 30 mg 3-4 times / day. For the relief of a hypertensive crisis, as well as an attack of angina pectoris, 10-20 mg (rarely 30 mg) can be used sublingually.

In / in for the relief of an attack of angina pectoris or hypertensive crisis – 5 mg for 4-8 hours.

Intracoronary administration for the relief of acute spasms of the coronary arteries is administered as a bolus of 100-200 mcg. With stenosis of large coronary vessels, the initial dose is 50-100 mcg.

Maximum daily doses: when taken orally – 120 mg, when administered intravenously – 30 mg.

Side effects

From the side of the cardiovascular system: hyperemia of the skin, feeling of warmth, tachycardia, arterial hypotension, peripheral edema; rarely – bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, increased angina attacks.

From the digestive system: nausea, heartburn, diarrhea; rarely – deterioration of liver function; in isolated cases – gingival hyperplasia. With prolonged use in high doses, dyspeptic symptoms, increased activity of hepatic transaminases, intrahepatic cholestasis are possible.

From the side of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system: headache. With prolonged use in high doses, paresthesia, muscle pain, tremor, mild visual disturbances, and sleep disturbances are possible.

On the part of the hematopoietic system: in isolated cases – leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.

From the urinary system: increased daily diuresis. With prolonged use in high doses, impaired renal function is possible.

From the endocrine system: in isolated cases – gynecomastia.

Allergic reactions: skin rash.

Local reactions: when administered intravenously, burning at the injection site is possible.

Within 1 min after intracoronary administration, a negative inotropic effect of nifedipine, an increase in heart rate, and arterial hypotension are possible; these symptoms gradually disappear after 5-15 minutes.

Contraindications

Arterial hypotension (systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg), collapse, cardiogenic shock, severe heart failure, severe aortic stenosis; hypersensitivity to nifedipine.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Adequate and well-controlled studies of the safety of nifedipine in pregnancy have not been conducted. The use of nifedipine during pregnancy is not recommended.

Since nifedipine is excreted in breast milk, its use during lactation should be avoided or breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment.

In experimental studies , embryotoxic, fetotoxic and teratogenic effects of nifedipine were detected.

Use in hepatic dysfunction

In case of liver dysfunction, nifedipine should only be used in a clinical setting under the strict supervision of a physician. In patients with impaired liver function, high doses of nifedipine should be avoided.

Use in patients with impaired renal function

In patients with impaired renal function, nifedipine should only be used in a clinical setting under strict medical supervision. In patients with impaired renal function, high doses of nifedipine should be avoided.

Elderly use

Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased cerebral blood flow due to severe peripheral vasodilation.

Special instructions

Nifedipine should only be used in the clinic under the strict supervision of a physician in acute myocardial infarction, severe cerebrovascular accident, diabetes mellitus, impaired liver and kidney function, in malignant arterial hypertension and hypovolemia, as well as in patients on hemodialysis. In patients with impaired liver and / or kidney function, high doses of nifedipine should be avoided. Elderly patients are more likely to have reduced cerebral blood flow due to severe peripheral vasodilation.

When taken orally, nifedipine can be chewed to speed up the effect.

If chest pain occurs during treatment, nifedipine should be discontinued. Cancel nifedipine should be gradual, because with a sudden discontinuation of the reception (especially after long-term treatment), the development of a withdrawal syndrome is possible.

When intracoronary administration in the presence of stenosis of two vessels, nifedipine should not be injected into a third open vessel due to the danger of a pronounced negative inotropic effect.

During the course of treatment avoid drinking alcohol due to the risk of an excessive decrease in blood pressure.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms

At the beginning of treatment, driving and other potentially hazardous activities that require quick psychomotor reactions should be avoided. In the course of further treatment, the degree of restriction is determined depending on the individual tolerability of nifedipine.

Drug interactions

When used simultaneously with antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, phenothiazine derivatives, the antihypertensive effect of nifedipine is enhanced.

When used simultaneously with anticholinergics, memory and attention disorders may occur in elderly patients.

When used simultaneously with beta-blockers, severe arterial hypotension may develop; in some cases – the development of heart failure.

When used simultaneously with nitrates, the antianginal effect of nifedipine is enhanced.

When used simultaneously with calcium preparations, the effectiveness of nifedipine decreases due to antagonistic interaction caused by an increase in the concentration of calcium ions in the extracellular fluid.

Cases of development of muscular weakness at simultaneous use with salts of magnesium are described.

When used simultaneously with digoxin, it is possible to slow down the excretion of digoxin from the body and, consequently, increase its concentration in the blood plasma.

When used simultaneously with diltiazem, the antihypertensive effect is enhanced.

With simultaneous use with theophylline, changes in the concentration of theophylline in blood plasma are possible.

Rifampicin induces the activity of liver enzymes, accelerating the metabolism of nifedipine, which leads to a decrease in its effectiveness.

When used simultaneously with phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, the concentration of nifedipine in the blood plasma decreases.

There are reports of an increase in plasma concentrations of nifedipine and an increase in its AUC when used simultaneously with fluconazole, itraconazole.

When used simultaneously with fluoxetine, the side effects of nifedipine may be increased.

In some cases, with simultaneous use with quinidine, a decrease in the concentration of quinidine in the blood plasma is possible, and when nifedipine is canceled, a significant increase in the concentration of quinidine is possible, which is accompanied by a prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG.

Cimetidine and, to a lesser extent, ranitidine, increase the plasma concentration of nifedipine and thus enhance its antihypertensive effect.

Ethanol may enhance the effects of nifedipine (excessive hypotension), causing dizziness and other adverse reactions.

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If you want to place a link to the description of this drug – use this code

Nifedipine . Description of the drug in the reference book Vidal.

Nifedipine: instruction, price, analogues | film-coated tablets Technolog

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker in the dihydropyridine subgroup. The drug is prescribed as an antihypertensive drug (drugs that lower blood pressure) and antianginal drug.

FDA Approved Indications

1. Chronic stable angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome characterized by chest pain due to myocardial ischemia (absolute or relative impairment of myocardial blood supply) not associated with necrosis of cardiocytes. Nifedipine reduces the frequency and strength of heart contractions; does not inhibit myocardial conduction.

2. Hypertension is a syndrome of increased systolic or diastolic blood pressure. This is a condition in which the blood vessels are constantly under increased pressure. Nifedipine can be used as monotherapy or in combination with several different drugs for the treatment of hypertension or coronary artery disease.

3. Severe hypertension during pregnancy (chronic, gestational) and postpartum hypertension (increase in blood pressure to more than 140/90 mm Hg).

Other indications

1. Primary (develops without signs of other diseases) and secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. The drug can prevent or reduce vasospasm of the extremities.

2. Alpine (altitude) pulmonary edema is the accumulation of blood plasma in the tissues of the lungs, and then in the lumen of the alveoli. Occurs against the background of acute mountain sickness.

3. Pulmonary hypertension — a group of diseases characterized by increased pressure in the pulmonary artery.

4. Achalasia (lack of relaxation) is a chronic neuromuscular disease.

5. Stones in the distal ureter.

Mechanism of action

During the depolarization phase of smooth muscle cell membranes, an influx of calcium ions occurs through voltage-gated L-type calcium channels. Nifedipine inhibits the entry of calcium ions by blocking L-type channels of vascular smooth muscle and myocardial cells. A decrease in the level of intracellular calcium leads to a decrease in peripheral resistance of arterial vessels and expansion of the coronary arteries, which leads to a decrease in systemic arterial pressure and an increase in oxygen delivery to the myocardium. Thus, nifedipine has antihypertensive and antianginal properties.

Today Nifedipine is available in fast (immediate) and extended release dosage forms. Initially, the pharmaceutical industry produced the drug only in a short-acting but fast-acting dosage form; therefore, the drug had to be taken several times a day. It caused rapid vasodilation (relaxation of the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels) followed by reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to side effects such as headache, heart palpitations, and flushing. These side effects contributed to the introduction of an extended-release preparation on the pharmaceutical market, which had a stable 24-hour antihypertensive effect and was characterized by fewer side effects. Adjustment of the dose of the drug should be carried out at intervals of 7-14 days. When switching from a fast-release preparation to a prolonged-release preparation, the same total daily dose should be used. Rapid release formulations can be taken with or without food.

Immediate-release preparations begin to act within 20 minutes, their T ½ – 4-7 hours. The prolonged-release preparation acts within 24 hours. It is metabolized in the liver with the help of cytochrome CYP 3A4. Extended release formulations have up to 89% bioavailability compared to immediate release formulations. Bioavailability is significantly increased in patients with hepatic impairment requiring dose adjustment.

Recommended dosage regimen

Chronic stable angina:

Nifedipine immediate: 10 mg bid; the maximum dose is 180 mg / day.

Long-acting drug: 30 or 60 mg/day; the maximum daily dose is 120 mg.

Hypertension:

Nifedipine long-acting: 30 or 60 mg/day; the maximum daily dose is 120 mg.

Hypertension during pregnancy or the puerperium:

immediate action: 10 mg; may be repeated at a dose of 20 mg every 20 minutes.

Side effects

The manifestation of adverse reactions is typical for 20-30% of patients who are prescribed Nifedipine . This is primarily due to its vasodilating properties. The most common side effects include hot flashes, peripheral edema, dizziness, headache, heartburn, and nausea. Tolerance (drug addiction syndrome) is a decrease in response to repeated (repeated) administration of the drug. This syndrome is more characteristic of immediate-release nifedipine than sustained-release preparations. Hypersensitivity reactions such as pruritus, urticaria and bronchospasm are rare. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms (a group of symptoms of various combinations that occur when the drug is completely discontinued), such as hypertension or angina pectoris.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to nifedipine or other components of the drug. The use of the drug is contraindicated in patients with myocardial infarction with segment elevation ST . For patients with unstable angina, the use of immediate-release nifedipine is not recommended, except in cases with concomitant beta-blockade. The drug should be avoided in patients with cardiogenic shock, severe aortic stenosis, hypotension, heart failure and moderate or severe hepatic insufficiency. Nifedipine immediate-release formulations (sublingual or oral) for hypertensive emergencies are neither safe nor effective. With cardiogenic shock, there is a sharp decrease in myocardial contractility and the situation is aggravated by the suppression of calcium ions entering the heart muscle cells. In severe aortic stenosis, nifedipine can cause ventricular collapse and dysfunction. In unstable angina pectoris, nifedipine causes a reflex increase in myocardial contractility, which increases its oxygen demand, thereby exacerbating ischemia. Nifedipine may also exacerbate vital organ hypoperfusion in patients with severe hypotension. In addition, patients with hepatic insufficiency may be unable to metabolize nifedipine, resulting in a prolongation of T ½ increases the risk of toxicity and side effects. Finally, abrupt discontinuation of treatment may reactivate angina and cause a “rebound phenomenon” in patients with CAD.

Monitoring

No need for laboratory monitoring in patients taking Nifedipine . Since nifedipine is an antihypertensive drug, clinicians (physicians working in the clinic) and patients should regularly measure blood pressure to achieve a therapeutic effect of the prescribed therapy in accordance with the recommendations of the American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association (ACC / AHA) 2017. Patients need to constantly monitor for the development of adverse reactions, such as peripheral edema (swelling of soft tissues), dizziness, hyperemia (overflow of blood vessels of the circulatory system), etc.

Overdose. Therapy in case of overdose

The complex of first aid measures in case of overdose Nifedipine depends on the dose of the drug taken, time of meal, age and concomitant diseases of the patient. First of all, it is necessary to carry out the following measures: to ensure the patency of the respiratory tract, breathing, blood circulation. An overdose of nifedipine can lead to vasodilation, severe hypotension and reflex tachycardia. Prolonged systemic hypotension can progress to shock and even death. Activated charcoal at a dose of 1 g/kg of body weight is effective if no more than 1-2 hours have passed since the drug was taken. An intestinal irrigation procedure is possible if a prolonged-release drug was used or when taking a large amount of food. The establishment of a nasogastric tube and lavage (lavage) of the stomach and the evacuation of gastric contents are usually ineffective. Intravenous resuscitation fluids, calcium salts, vasopressor therapy with dopamine or norepinephrine usually alleviate the patient with hypotension. The introduction of high doses of insulin – it was found that such manipulation helps to reduce the number of deaths and improve hemodynamics. In case of an overdose during therapy, it is necessary to constantly monitor the results of the ECG, the patient’s vital signs, kidney function, and the amount of urine output. Patients with an overdose of immediate-release drugs should be observed for 4-7 hours. Patients with an overdose of extended-release drugs – 24 hours. There is no specific antidote.

Application features

The drug may cause the development of hypotension, therefore, careful selection of the dose (starting from the minimum) is recommended to achieve a therapeutic effect (long-term monitoring of the patient). Sublingual preparations are not recommended in emergencies or emergencies associated with hypertension due to lack of efficacy data and numerous severe side effects such as uncontrolled lowering of blood pressure, reflex tachycardia and cerebral ischemia/myocardial infarction (Khan K.M. et al., 2019).

Interesting research

Preterm birth is an important obstetric problem and the most common cause of neonatal death and morbidity. Therefore, the search for a way to prevent them is always of particular interest to scientists.

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in pregnant women 26-34 weeks gestation who presented to the hospital for preterm labor. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups, which were administered: indomethacin and placebo; nifedipine and placebo; and a combination of indomethacin and nifedipine, respectively. Evaluated the inhibition of uterine contractions within 2 hours and the prevention of preterm labor within 48 hours and 7 days.