Adalat: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Adalat (Nifedipine) is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure and to help prevent stroke, heart attack, and other kidney problems. Nifedipine is a calcium antagonist of the dihydropyridine class. The drug works by dilating blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

1. How to use Adalat

You take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew this medicine. Doing so can release the drug all at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
Also, do not split the tablets unless they have an index line and your doctor tells you to do so. When taking the drug, you should swallow the tablet whole with water, absolutely do not crush or chew.
Your doctor may gradually increase the dosage under your doctor's guidance carefully. Dosage is calculated by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medicine unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of certain drugs in your blood. Consult your doctor for more detailed information.
Use this medication regularly to get the most out of it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Continue taking Adalat even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick themselves.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your condition may get worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly. Dosage can be gradually reduced as needed.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g. increased blood pressure readings).

2. Side effects of drugs

Using Adalat may cause some side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, flushing, constipation, leg/muscle cramps or sexual problems. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience any serious side effects.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these undesirable side effects: swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unusual weakness/fatigue.
Contact a medical center immediately if serious side effects occur such as: Fast or slow heartbeat, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, mood swings, swollen or tender gums, vision changes .
Although Adalat is effective in preventing chest pain (angina), some people with severe heart disease rarely experience chest pain or heart attacks that get worse after starting the medication. this or increase the dose. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as: worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack such as chest pain, jaw or left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating.

Rarely, serious side effects have occurred after a person has used this medicine. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, or swelling on any part of your body. especially face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
The above is not a complete list of possible side effects when using adalat. In the process of using this medicine, if you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

3. Precautionary measures

Before using Adalat, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or other calcium blockers (eg, felodipine , amlodipine ); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that have the potential to cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Note before using the drug, it is necessary to tell the doctor about your medical history, especially:
Heart problems such as: Congestive heart failure, aortic valve stenosis. Liver problems Kidney problems Certain metabolic disorders such as porphyria. If you need surgery, before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
The drug adalat can make you feel dizzy. If you use alcohol or marijuana while taking it, it can make you more dizzy. You should not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit the use of alcoholic beverages. Tell your doctor if you are using marijuana.
Pregnant women, use this medicine only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking the medication.
Nifedipine can affect breast milk, so women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

4. Drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Adalat works or increase your risk of serious side effects. This article does not contain all possible drug interactions. Submit a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/over-the-counter drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor. Never use, stop or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: alpha blockers (such as doxazosin), calcium or magnesium sulfate received intravenously, digoxin, fentanyl, melatonin.

Other drugs can affect the removal of nifedipine from your body, which may affect the way nifedipine works, such as apalutamide, cimetidine, enzalutamide, mitotane, quinupristin/dalfopristin, St. John's wort, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), medicines used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin).
Some products contain ingredients that may increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using and ask how to use them safely (especially cough and cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
If you have overdosed and have severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, contact an emergency center immediately. Symptoms caused by an overdose include: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.
Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, exercise, and dietary changes can increase the effectiveness of using Adalat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that may be more beneficial for you.
Internal tests such as: Liver or kidney function tests, EKGs may be done from time to time to monitor the patient's progress or check for side effects.

While taking adalat you should check your blood pressure regularly. Learn how to self-monitor your blood pressure at home and share the results with your doctor.
Absolutely do not arbitrarily change the dose of medicine without the guidance of the doctor.
If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you find that it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Store the medicine at room temperature (30 degrees Celsius), away from direct light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep adalat out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush medication down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of adalat product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com