Nifedipine

Nifedipine dosage should be adjusted according to each patient’s needs. The recommended dosage of nifedipine tablets should be administered orally once daily on an empty stomach. Nifedipine is an extended release dosage form and tablets should be swallowed whole, without bitten or divided. In general, titration should proceed over a 7 to 14 day period starting with 30 mg once daily. Upward titration should be based on the therapeutic efficacy and safety. The usual maintenance dose is 30-60 mg once daily. Titration to doses above 90 mg daily is not recommended. In case discontinuation of Nifedipine is required, sound clinical practice suggests that the dosage should be reduced gradually with close physician supervision.

The most commonly reported Nifedipine side effects include: headache, lightheadedness, feeling tired, cough, leg swelling, and shortness of breath.

• Use of Nifedipine needs to be avoided in case you are allergic to this medicine or any of its other existing ingredients.
• The nifedipine uses are not recommended in case your heart cannot pump blood properly, or if you also take rifampin.
• Do not use Nifedipine if you have severe coronary artery disease, or in case you have had a heart attack within the past 2 weeks.
• Inform your health specialist if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Avoid breastfeeding while using nifedipine.
• Grapefruit may be responsible for interacting with nifedipine tablets and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products and herbal supplements containing St. John’s wort.
• Patient’s blood pressure will need to be checked often and they may need certain other medical tests.

The tablets of nifedipine should be protected from light and moisture and stored below 86°F (30°C). Dispense this medicine in tight, light-resistant containers.