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Nifedipine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Nifedipine Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Nifedipine-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Nifedipine brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Nifedipine
Pronunciation : nye fed' i peen
ICD Code : Y52.1 Therapeutic Classification : Calcium Channel Blockers

Brand Names or Trade Names of Nifedipine

India :

International :


Adalat, Procardia, Afeditab, Nifediac

Why is Nifedipine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a calcium channel blocker, prescribed for angina (chest pain), high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. It works by relaxing blood vessels.

When should Nifedipine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with very low blood pressure or shock due to heart problems and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Nifedipine?

Adult: PO- The starting dose is one 10 mg 3 times/day. The usual effective dose range is 10-20 mg three times daily.

How should Nifedipine be taken?

It comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Nifedipine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of chest pain, blood vessel problems, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, swelling in the extremities, fluid in lungs, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Nifedipine?

Most Common - Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness, headache, weakness, flushing, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps, sore throat and swelling of feet or lower legs.
Heart - Swelling in the extremities and palpitations.
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, cramps and flatulence.
Respiratory - Nasal and chest congestion and shortness of breath.
Musculoskeletal - Inflammation, joint stiffness and muscle cramps.
Central Nervous System - Shakiness, nervousness, jitteriness, sleep disturbances, blurred vision and difficulty in balance.
Miscellaneous - Skin inflammation, itching, hives, fever, increased sweating, chills and sexual disorders.

What are the other precautions for Nifedipine?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Nifedipine?

Store it at controlled room temperature (15° to 25°C).

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.

Nifedipine : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Nifedipine harmful to the kidneys?

A: Nifedipine is not harmful to the kidneys. Nifedipine, in recommended doses, is beneficial for the kidneys. It is not advised to take this medicine without consulting a healthcare professional (1 Trusted Source
Nifedipine as an antihypertensive drug in patients with renal failure--pharmacokinetics and effects

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).

Q: Is Nifedipine safer than Amlodipine?

A: Both medications are effective and are in the same class of drugs. Amlodipine is a first-line antihypertensive in the general population. It tends to have fewer side effects than nifedipine (2 Trusted Source
Antihypertensive effect of amlodipine compared with nifedipine retard in patients with mild and moderate essential hypertension

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).

Q: Does Nifedipine cause dizziness?

A: Nifedipine causes dizziness as a side effect. It is advisable to avoid driving and not use tools or heavy machinery while taking this medication (3 Trusted Source
Nifedipine

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).

Q: When is the best time of day to take Nifedipine?

A: Nifedipine is available in the form of capsules and an extended-release tablet. The capsules are usually taken 3–4 times a day, while the extended-release tablets are taken once a day on an empty stomach (3 Trusted Source
Nifedipine

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).

Q: Is it safe to drink coffee while taking Nifedipine?

A: It is better to avoid caffeine while taking nifedipine because caffeine increases blood pressure and nifedipine lowers blood pressure and causes a reflex increase in heart rate (4 Trusted Source
Cardiovascular effects of caffeine and nifedipine

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).


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