Adalat (Nifedipine)

General information

Adalat belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It is used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may allow you to exercise more and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. This medication may also be used to treat a certain blood circulation disorder (Raynaud's syndrome).

Directions

Take Adalat exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) or angina is 20 mg to 30 mg once daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase your dose (up to the maximum daily dose 90 mg). It should be taken on an empty stomach. Adalat should be taken at the same time each day. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Do not stop taking Adalat without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better.

Precautions

Before taking Adalat you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, liver or kidney problems, upcoming surgery, aortic stenosis, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment. This interaction may have dangerous effects.

Contraindications

You should not take Adalat if you are allergic to nifedipine, or any of the inactive components of this medication, taking rifampin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have cardiogenic shock, very low blood pressure.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have dizziness, flushing, weakness, tiredness, swelling of ankles or feet, headache, irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, chest pain, swollen joints, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antibiotics or antifungals (miconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, isoniazid), beta blockers (timolol, atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol), protease inhibitors (atazanavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, ritonavir), cimetidine, digoxin, seizure medications (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), quinidine, warfarin. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are low blood pressure (hypotension), loss of consciousness, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), fluid in the lungs, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.