Nifedipine Tablets are a calcium channel blocker medicine mainly used in the treatment of high blood pressure and certain heart conditions.

Here are the key details:

• Main Uses:

  • Management of hypertension (high blood pressure).

  • Treatment of angina pectoris (chest pain due to reduced blood supply to the heart).

  • Sometimes used in Raynaud’s phenomenon (poor blood flow to fingers and toes).

• How It Works:

  • Nifedipine blocks calcium entry into the smooth muscle of blood vessels and the heart.

  • This causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

  • Reduces the heart’s oxygen demand, helping prevent chest pain.

• Administration:

  • Taken orally, available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.

  • Extended-release tablets are preferred for long-term control of blood pressure and angina.

  • Should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed (especially extended-release).

• Common Side Effects:

  • Headache, flushing, dizziness, swelling of ankles/feet (edema).

  • Palpitations or fast heartbeat in some patients.

  • Mild gastrointestinal upset.

• Serious Concerns:

  • Sudden drop in blood pressure if taken improperly.

  • Rarely, may worsen chest pain (especially with immediate-release tablets at high doses).

  • Severe allergic reactions or liver-related issues (very uncommon).

• Precautions:

  • Should be used cautiously in people with severe heart failure or very low blood pressure.

  • Grapefruit juice can increase Nifedipine levels in the body, leading to side effects.

  • Avoid stopping suddenly, as it may cause rebound hypertension or angina.

  • Regular blood pressure and heart monitoring are needed.

• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct light.