Adalat

Adalat (Nifedipine) is a calcium channel blocker which is used as an antihypertensive, antianginal medication (especially in Prinzmetal’s Angina) and treats high blood pressure as well. This medication may also be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Furthermore, Adalat (Nifedipine) may also be described as a yellow crystalline substance of which only a fraction dissolves in water and Ethanol.

Adalat (Nifedipine) controls high blood pressure and Angina (chest pain) by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart but is not a cure for these ailments.
Adalat (Nifedipine) is also used to help treat cases of premature labor, Raynaud`s phenomenon (RP), strokes, anal fissures, pulmonary hypertension, ureteral stones, painful spasms of the esophagus (in the case of Cancer and tetanus patients), heart attacks and kidney complications. Your health care professional may provide another medication namely, sublingual Nitroglycerin which may also be used to relieve one of Angina (chest pain).

Adalat (Nifedipine) is available in capsule form and as an extended release tablet (long – acting) which may be consumed orally. This medication is usually taken once or thrice a day. The extended – release tablet should be taken on an empty stomach either one hour prior to a meal or two hours after a meal and should be swallowed whole.

Furthermore, Adalat (Nifedipine) must not be chewed, divided or crushed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any instructions you do not understand. Consume Adalat (Nifedipine) exactly as directed and refrain from consuming more, less or more frequently than prescribed by your health care professional.


Lastly, continue to consume this medication even if you begin to feel better. Do not discontinue Adalat (Nifedipine) without consulting your health care professional. Adalat (Nifedipine) relaxes the blood vessels, consequently making the pumping action of the heart much easier and less tiresome.

Although side effects from nifedipine are not common, they can occur.

Adalat (Nifedipine) may cause the patient to experience flushing (feeling of warmth), heartburn, muscle cramps, enlargement of gum tissue around teeth, constipation, nasal congestion, cough, decreased sexual ability, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting spells and rashes.

Adalat (Nifedipine) may also cause the patient to experience diarrhea, Paresthesia, leg pain, vertigo, Epistaxis, frequency in urination, rhinitis, Asthenia, cellulitis, facial Edema, an upset stomach, neck pain and atrial fibrillation.

Adalat (Nifedipine) may also cause the patient to experience Bradycardia, pelvic pain, extra systole, severe migraine attacks, palpitations, Phlebitis, postural hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness or lightheadedness, unusual fatigue and severe abdominal pain.


Adalat (Nifedipine) may also cause the patient to experience dysphagia, gout, Esophagitis, lymphadenopathy, Dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhages, eosinophilia, vomiting, gum disorders, sudden or unexplained weight loss, nausea and blurred vision.

While on an ongoing course of Adalat (Nifedipine) the patient must avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit one hour before, or for two hours after, consumption of this medication and must not drink alcoholic beverages. While consuming Adalat (Nifedipine) the patient must consult their health care professional before using salt substitutes containing potassium.


If your health care professional prescribes a low – salt diet, you must follow the diet and his instructions carefully. The patient must also inform their health care professional if Adalat (Nifedipine) itself does not agree with them or they are suffering from any other allergies.


Furthermore, Adalat (Nifedipine) interacts with various other medications, such as, Magnesium sulfate, Digoxin, Fentanyl, Warfarin, Metformin, Quinidine, Melatonin, Felodipine, Tacrolimus, Phenytoin, Itraconazole, Ranitidine, Phenobarbital, Cimetidine and Sirolimus.


Lastly, Adalat (Nifedipine) interacts with various other medications, such as, Cisapride, Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Fluoxetine, Indinavir, Erythromycin, Nefazodone, Quinupristin, Dalfopristin, Quinidex, Rifampin, St. Johns wort, Carbamazepine, Valproic acid and vitamins.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to nifedipine.

Good dental hygiene decreases the chance and severity of gum swelling. Brush your teeth regularly and schedule dental cleanings every 6 months.

The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in the stomach after being swallowed. It slowly releases medicine as it passes through your small intestines. It is not unusual to see the tablet shell in the stool.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Adalat medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

It is very important for the patient to know that before consuming Adalat (Nifedipine) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of, or are currently suffering from, aortic Stenosis, congestive heart failure, liver diseases, kidney diseases or Porphyria (a metabolic disorder).


Furthermore, it is very important for the patient to inform their health care professional if they are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant or are breast – feeding. If you become pregnant while on an ongoing course of this medication, call your health care professional immediately.


Lastly, while on an ongoing course or prior to consuming this medication the patient must also inform their health care professional if they plan to undergo dental surgery or any other kind of surgery.
It is also very important for the patient to know that Adalat (Nifedipine) does pass into breast milk.