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Nifedipine
INFORMATION ABOUT NIFEDIPINE
Nifedipine Uses
Nifedipine is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), Angina (heart-related chest pain), Arrhythmia, heart attack, hypertensive emergency, stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage and anal fissure.
How Nifedipine works
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. In high blood pressure, it normalizes the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to reduce the pressure on them, thereby improving the blood flow in the body. The enhanced blood flow in the body further relaxes the heart muscles by reducing the workload on the heart. It also improves the oxygen flow in the body, thereby, preventing any heart-related chest pain.
Common side effects of Nifedipine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Dizziness, Fatigue, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Headache, Peripheral edema
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Mayank
Pharm.D
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
08 Nov 2024 | 05:33 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Nifedipine
Expert advice for Nifedipine
- Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- A sudden drop in your blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Nifedipine. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It can cause ankle or foot swelling. To reduce the swelling, raise your legs while you are sitting down. Talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
- It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how Nifedipine affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- You have been prescribed Nifedipine to improve your blood pressure and/or to reduce the number and severity of angina attacks.
- Lowering blood pressure reduces the chance of future heart attack and stroke.
- Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
- A sudden drop in your blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Nifedipine. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It can cause ankle or foot swelling. To reduce the swelling, raise your legs while you are sitting down. Talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
- It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how Nifedipine affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Nifedipine
No, Nifedipine is not a diuretic medication. However, some evidence indicates that Nifedipine has a partial diuretic property which may result in increased sodium loss through urine. It is a medication which relaxes the blood vessels by directly acting on them. This helps to decrease the blood pressure of the individual. As a result, blood flows more easily and lowers blood pressure, which helps to reduce the strain or pressure on your heart.
No, Nifedipine is not bad for kidneys. In few research studies, taking Nifedipine in recommended doses has in fact been shown to be beneficial for the kidneys. It is not advised to use this medicine without consulting the doctor. It should be used exactly as prescribed.
Yes,Nifedipine can cause liver damage in some cases, but this is very rare. However, some people may develop a rise in liver enzymes after taking Nifedipine. Let your doctor know if you notice any such changes in your recent lab tests. Do not start this medication without consulting your doctor and do inform him if you have any history of liver disease or liver damage. This is because, in case of liver damage, dose adjustment may be required.
No, Nifedipine does not cause any change in blood sugar levels. It has been observed that Nifedipine has no effect on the release of insulin or change in blood sugar levels. However, before starting the medicine, inform the doctor if you are diabetic. This is done because the medicine for blood pressure is suggested accordingly when a patient is diabetic.
It is advised that you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. It should be used only if prescribed by the doctor in case of pregnancy. Studies have shown significant risks to the developing baby and it is given only if the benefits are clearly more than the risks involved.
Yes. Nifedipine can cause palpitations as a side effect. However, this is usually not bothersome and resolves as you continue with the treatment. If the symptom persists for long, consult the doctor who will suggest the ways to prevent it.
Yes, making small changes to your diet can help your medicine work better. You must take a low sodium and low-fat diet, and adhere to the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor. You should also avoid eating grapefruit (chakotra) or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nifedipine.
No, do not stop taking it on your own as it may worsen your condition. You should take Nifedipine in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor for any query or dose modification.