ADALAT(Nifedipine) is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. Its main uses are in angina pectoris (especially Prinzmetal's angina) and hypertension, although a large number of other uses have recently been found for this agent, such as Raynaud's phenomenon, premature labor, and painful spasms of the esophagus in cancer and tetanus patients. It is also commonly used for the small subset of pulmonary hypertension patients whose symptoms respond to calcium channel blockers.
Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat hypertension, angina prectoris, Raynaud's phenomenon, premature labor,pulmoanry hypertension, and painful spasms of the escophagus in cancer and tetanus patients.
Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you:
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
you have difficulty swallowing
you are allergic to Nifedipine, any other medicine, foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances
you have heart problems, slow or irregular heartbeat, or low blood pressure
you are over 65 years old
you have had a recent heart attack
you have liver disease
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's instructions
Advert to Medication Guide if necessary
Take your doses at regular intervals
Don't stop taking Nifedipine until your doctor said so
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible
Avoid taking double or extra doses
Safety issues:
Regularly check your blood pressure
Nifedipine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other tasks that require mental alertness until you how Nifedipine affects you
Avoid drinking alcohol
Notify your doctor if you are going to have surgery
What medicines may interact with Nifedipine?
zileuton
alcohol
zafirlukast
NSAIDs
yohimbine
phenobarbital
water pills (diuretics)
bosentan
warfarin
calcium salts (intrvenous)
tacrolimus
vincristine
cimetidine
some medicines for depression or mental problems ( nefazadone, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine)
cyclosporine
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
herbal or dietary supplement
some medicines for heart-rhythm problems
imatinib, STI-571
monoamide oxidase inhibitors
local anesthetics or general anesthetics
magnesuim salts
some antibiotics
medicines for flungal infections
medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
medicines for seizures
medicines for prostate problems
metformin
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
swelling of the legs and ankles
blood in the urine
skin rash
fast heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, irregular heartbeat
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
difficulty breathing
reduced amount of the urine passed
fainting spells, lightheadedness
dizziness
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
weakness or tiredness
facial flushing
headache
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.