Adalat

From PharmDatabase.org

Jump to: navigation, search

Generic name: Nifedipine
Brand names: Adalat, Procardia
Related Medical Conditions: Angina (chest pain), Blood Pressure, Hypertension
Related Groups: Calcium Channel Blocker

Adalat Articles

Contents

[edit]

What is Adalat?

Nifedipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nifedipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Nifedipine is used to lower hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

[edit]

Adalat Usage and Dosage

Take nifedipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Adalat should be taken on an empty stomach.

Do not crush, chew, or break any form of nifedipine. Swallow the pills whole. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nifedipine. Nifedipine can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor.

Occasionally, the Procardia tablet shell may be seen in the stool. This is not harmful. The medicine has been absorbed by the body and the tablet shell is designed to be eliminated in the stool.

Do not stop taking nifedipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

[edit]

Adalat Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nifedipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
  • severe dizziness or fainting;
  • psychosis;
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); or
  • swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take nifedipine and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • headache, fatigue, or tiredness;
  • flushing;
  • insomnia;
  • vivid or abnormal dreams;
  • nausea or constipation; or
  • increased urination.
[edit]

Other Drugs Interaction

Before taking nifedipine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

  • another heart medication to treat the same or another condition;
  • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
  • erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, others);
  • itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
  • carbamazepine (Tegretol);
  • phenytoin (Dilantin); or
  • rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin).

You may not be able to take nifedipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with nifedipine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

[edit]

Adalat Storage

Store nifedipine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

[edit]

Articles

Retrieved from "http://pharmdatabase.org/Category:Adalat"
Views
Personal tools