Nifedipine: The Calcium Channel Blocker for Hypertension and Angina
Introduction: What is Nifedipine?
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). It works by relaxing and dilating the main coronary and systemic blood vessels, which helps reduce the heart’s workload and improves blood flow.
How Nifedipine Works
Nifedipine blocks the transmembrane entry of calcium ions into the smooth muscle of blood vessels and the heart. This prevents vascular constriction, lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart’s oxygen demand during episodes of angina.
When to Use Nifedipine
● Hypertension: Nifedipine is used for controlling high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
● Angina: It is effective in preventing chest pain or angina caused by restricted blood flow to the heart.
Dosage
● Adult Dose for Hypertension: Typically, 30 mg to 60 mg once daily for extended-release tablets. Maximum dose is 120 mg/day.
● Adult Dose for Angina: 10 mg to 20 mg three times daily for immediate-release tablets.
● Pediatric dose for hypertension: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/day given once or divided in 2 doses. Maximum dose is 3 mg/kg/day.
Side Effects
● Common Effects: Swelling in the legs, dizziness, flushing, and headache.
● Serious Adverse Effects: Hypotension, heart failure, and bradycardia (slow heart rate) in high doses.
Common Indian brands: Nicardia, Calcigrad.