NIFEDIPINE 20MG TAB

Short Description

Nifedipine 20mg Tablets contain nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of angina (chest pain). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart and helps improve blood flow.

What Is Nifedipine 20mg?

Nifedipine 20mg Tablets contain the active ingredient nifedipine, which belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers, specifically the dihydropyridine group. This extended-release formulation is designed to release the medicine gradually, providing a steady effect over time.

In treatment, nifedipine helps relax the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, which widens the vessels and lowers blood pressure. It is also used to help prevent episodes of angina by improving blood flow to the heart muscle.

Uses

Nifedipine 20mg may be prescribed to:

• Treat high blood pressure (hypertension)

• Manage chronic stable angina (chest pain that occurs with exertion or stress)

• Manage vasospastic angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain caused by spasm of the arteries supplying the heart)

  
  

The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health needs.

How Does Nifedipine Work?

Nifedipine works by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls. This reduces the entry of calcium into these muscle cells, causing the blood vessels to relax and widen. As a result, blood flows more easily, blood pressure is lowered, and the heart's workload is reduced. In angina, this improved blood flow helps supply more oxygen to the heart muscle, which can help reduce chest pain.

Effects on blood pressure are generally established with regular use, and the extended-release formulation is intended to provide a steady effect throughout the day rather than an immediate, short-lived one. Individual response can vary.

How to Take Nifedipine

Take Nifedipine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

• Usually taken once daily, at the same time each day

• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or split it, as this affects the extended-release action

• May be taken with or without food, depending on your doctor's specific instructions, but should be taken consistently in relation to meals

• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase the level of nifedipine in the blood

• Do not stop or change your dose without medical advice — this is especially important if you are also taking a beta-blocker, as stopping either medicine abruptly can cause serious heart problems

• You may notice a tablet-like residue in your stool; this is a normal part of how the extended-release formulation works and does not mean the medicine has not been absorbed

  
  

If you miss a dose, take it at the usual time, allowing at least 12 hours before your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Important Safety Information

Before taking Nifedipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use.

Caution may be needed if you have, or have had:

• Low blood pressure

• Liver problems

• Severe narrowing of the aortic heart valve

• A history of heart failure or fixed left ventricular outflow obstruction

• Recent or planned surgery, as nifedipine may need to be stopped in advance

  
  

Nifedipine may interact with other blood pressure medicines, beta-blockers, certain antibiotics and antifungals, and medicines that affect liver enzyme activity. It is important to check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The use of nifedipine during pregnancy should only be considered where a doctor determines the benefits outweigh the potential risks, and its use is generally avoided unless clearly needed. Nifedipine passes into breast milk in small amounts; recommendations on breastfeeding vary, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning a pregnancy.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Nifedipine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache

• Flushing or feeling of warmth

• Dizziness

• Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands

• Tiredness

• Nausea

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Seek prompt medical attention if you experience chest pain that worsens, signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat with difficulty breathing), or signs of heart failure such as sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.

This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.

Storage

• Store below 30°C, in a cool, dry place

• Keep in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light

• Keep out of reach and sight of children

• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging