Nifedipine
Also sold as: Adalat
Prescription neededCalcium channel blockers
Comes as:TabletCapsule
Usual adult dose
For blood pressure use long-acting tablets only: retard tablets 10 to 40 mg twice a day, or once-daily (XL) tablets 30 to 90 mg once a day. Short-acting capsules should not be used for high blood pressure.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- swollen ankles
- flushing
- headache
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- chest pain that gets worse
- fainting
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Cardiogenic shock or very low blood pressure
- Within 1 month of a heart attack
- Unstable angina (chest pain at rest)
- Short-acting capsules must not be used to lower high blood pressure
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Rifampicin
Rifampicin strongly lowers nifedipine levels so blood pressure may not be controlled.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Magnesium sulfate
Together in pre-eclampsia they can cause very low blood pressure; monitor closely.