Nifedipine is a vasodilator indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, as it works by dilating the coronary arteries and reducing the tone of the blood vessel muscles, facilitating blood flow and preventing cardiovascular complications.
This medicine is offered free of charge by the SUS, as long as it has a medical indication, or can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of coated tablets or capsules containing 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of nifedipine, with the trade names Ndo Fidipina, Loncord or Nifedipress, for example.
Nifedipine should only be used with a cardiologist’s recommendation, for the duration of treatment advised by the doctor and with individualized doses, according to the condition to be treated, and the use of this medicine should not be interrupted on your own.
What is it for
Nifedipine is indicated for the treatment of:
- High pressure;
- Coronary artery disease (stable angina pectoris or exertional angina).
The use of nifedipine must be carried out with the indication and guidance of a cardiologist, with regular medical consultations to assess heart health and the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you want to be monitored by a cardiologist, make an appointment in the nearest region:
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How it works
Nifedipine is a vasodilator from the calcium channel blocker class that works by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, helping to improve blood flow, control high blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular complications.
How to drink
Nifedipine should be taken orally, with a glass of water, at the times established by the doctor. The capsules should be taken before meals and the coated tablet before or after eating.
The dosage of nifedipine for adults varies according to the condition being treated and includes:
- High pressure: 1 tablet or capsule of nifedipine 20 mg, twice a day, that is, every 12 hours;
- Coronary artery disease (stable angina pectoris or exertional angina): 1 coated tablet of nifedipine 20 mg, twice a day, that is, every 12 hours, or 1 capsule of 20 mg 1 to 2 times a day, as per medical advice.
Nifedipine doses can be increased by your doctor to up to 60 mg per day.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of nifedipine are headache, bloating, constipation, dizziness, vertigo, tremor, heart palpitations or increased heart rate, or hypotension.
In addition, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, abdominal or gastrointestinal pain, nausea, visual disturbance, redness, itching, hives, constipation, erectile dysfunction in men or cramps are also common.
It is important to go to the emergency room if symptoms such as worsening angina, feeling faint, rapid heartbeat, chest pain that can radiate to the arm, shoulder or jaw, excessive sweating or general malaise appear.
You should also go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as swelling in your feet and ankles, yellowing of your skin and eyes, or severe allergic reactions. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
Nifedipine should not be used by children under 18 years of age, pregnant women before the 20th week of pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
This medicine should also not be used by people who are allergic to nifedipine or any other component of the capsule or tablet.
Nifedipine should not be used by people who use rifampicin, as its levels may be reduced in the body, not having the desired effect.
Additionally, nifedipine should be used with caution in people who have very low blood pressure, heart failure, or severe narrowing of the aorta artery.
