Nifedipine: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Nifedipine is used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may allow you to exercise more and reduce the frequency of angina attacks. Older adults should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor or pharmacist, as well as other forms of nifedipine that may be safer (such as long-acting tablets).

1. What are the effects of Nifedipine?

Nifedipine belongs to a class of calcium channel blockers, which work by dilating blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Nifedipine must be used regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat chest pains once they have occurred. Use other medicines (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve chest pain as prescribed by your doctor.
Nifedipine is indicated in the following cases:
High blood pressure Prevention of angina associated with coronary artery disease. Prevention of angina associated with vasospastic angina. Raynaud's syndrome, a condition in which blood vessels constrict too much when cold or stressed. High blood pressure before pregnancy. Nifedipine is contraindicated in the following cases:
Porphyria metabolic disorders Myasthenia gravis Acute coronary syndrome Severe aortic valve stenosis Severe heart failure Low blood pressure Cirrhosis Liver disease Decreased kidney function Condition water in hands and feet. Impaired blood circulation due to a serious condition of the heart. Chronic idiopathic constipation Porphyria metabolic disorder Stomach or intestinal obstruction Intestinal stenosis Decreased intestinal motility and decreased gastric contractility. A heart attack.

2. How to use Nifedipine?

Take Nifedipine by mouth, usually 3 times daily with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this tablet whole, do not crush, chew, or break the capsule.
Nifedipine dosage is calculated based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose slowly, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nifedipine unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Because grapefruit can increase the amount of certain drugs in your blood.
Use Nifedipine regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember to take your medicine, take it at the same times each day.
Wellness tests such as blood pressure, liver function tests, kidney function tests, electrocardiogram may be done from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects during treatment with nifedipine.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens such as your chest pain gets worse or more frequent after using Nifedipine.

3. Nifedipine side effects

During treatment with Nifedipine, you may experience dizziness, flushing, weakness, swelling in your ankles or feet, constipation, and headache. If any of these nifedipine side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness while using Nifedipine, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people use nifedipine without any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects of Nifedipine occur: Fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, fainting.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects of Nifedipine occur: Change in vision.
Although Nifedipine is effective in preventing chest pain (angina), in rare cases, people who already have severe heart disease may experience worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting it. take this medicine or increase the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience the following symptoms: Worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, unusual sweating) .
A very serious allergic reaction to Nifedipine is very rare. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to the medicine, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, severe dizziness important, get medical help right away.
Below are Nifedipine side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Nifedipine include:
Dizziness Temporary redness of the face and neck Headache Nausea Body weakness Water retention in the hands or feet. Less common side effects of Nifedipine include:
Low blood pressure Allergic dermatitis Fluid in the lungs Mood changes Nasal congestion and runny nose Constipation Inability to get an erection Itching Leech's nest Stiffness Leg cramps Sleep disturbance Fever Excessive sweating Heart pounding Shortness of breath Cough Diarrhea Anxiety Tingling sensation in the skin Dizziness Low energy Temporary blushing of the face and neck Nasal bleeding Nausea Increased need to urinate often through

Rare side effects of Nifedipine include:
Anemia Large brown or purple skin spots Low platelets in the blood Low white blood cell count Temporary blindness A heart attack Atrial fibrillation Slow heart rate Chronic heart failure Low blood pressure Gum overgrowth Hepatitis Kidney stones Acute skin rash Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson syndrome Skin rash and peeling Joint pain Skin rash Abnormal liver function tests Anaphylaxis Yellow angioedema eyes or jaundice due to accumulation of bilirubin Cellulitis Stomach or intestinal ulcers Stomach or intestinal obstruction Atopic dermatitis Dermatitis with vesicles Erythema multiforme A hard solid mass called a sticky substance in the digestive tract chemical. Heart palpitations Gout Eosinophils in the blood Confusion Changes in sexual preferences Depression Changes in vision Skin damage caused by blood vessels Inflammation of the throat Dry mouth Esophagitis Indigestion Dilated breasts Full breasts milk production Sensitivity to sunlight Arthritis Abnormal muscle tone increase Muscle weakness Drowsiness Fainting Difficulty sleeping Chills Numbness Puffy face from water retention Weight loss Swollen lymph nodes An unusual breathing sound called Stridor An abnormal breathing sound called Rales Difficulty swallowing Full stomach gas Difficult or painful urination Excessive urination Nighttime urination High blood sugar Phlebitis Emotions Low blood pressure This is not complete list of possible side effects of nifedipine. If you notice other side effects of Nifedipine not listed above, contact your doctor for prompt treatment.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Nifedipine

Before taking Nifedipine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies, if any. Nifedipine products may contain ineffective ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Nifedipine, consult your doctor if you have: Certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, coarctation of the aorta).
Before using Nifedipine, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Liver problems, kidney problems.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Nifedipine.
Nifedipine can make you dizzy and alcohol and marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while using Nifedipine, until you can do so safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of nifedipine, especially dizziness, constipation, or swelling of the ankles/feet.
For women during pregnancy, Nifedipine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the drug for you.
Nifedipine passes into breast milk, so women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before use.

5. Nifedipine drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way nifedipine works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products you use. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while you are using Nifedipine, without your doctor's approval.
Certain other medicines can affect the removal of nifedipine from your body, which may affect how nifedipine works. Such drugs include apalutamide, cimetidine, enzalutamide, mitotane, quinupristin/dalfopristin, St. John's wort, rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), medicines used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), and certain others.
Cimetidine is an over-the-counter medication commonly used to treat increased stomach acid. Because cimetidine may interact with nifedipine, ask your doctor about other products to treat increased stomach acid.

6. What to do if you overdose or forget to take Nifedipine?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Nifedipine and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
If you miss a dose of Nifedipine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose of Nifedipine at the usual time, do not double the usual dose.

7. How to store Nifedipine

Store Nifedipine at room temperature from 15-25 degrees Celsius, protect from light and moisture, do not store in the bathroom, keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.
Dispose of Nifedipine appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed by you.

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Reference source: webmd.com