Brand Name: Adalat
Generic Name: Nifedipine

Nifedipine

(nye-FED-i-peen)

NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Dysmenorrhea, kidney stones, myotonic dystrophy, premature labor, prevention of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity, ureteral stones

ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
To treat angina and hypertension (sustained release only), hypertension

BRAND NAME
Adalat, Adalat CC, Apo-Nifed (PA), Novo-Nifedin, Nu-Nifed, Procardia

DRUG CLASS
Antianginal; antihypertensive (calcium channel blocker)

DESCRIPTION
This drug relaxes coronary vascular smooth muscle and increases oxygen delivery to the heart.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Flushing, peripheral edema, dizziness/lightheadedness/giddiness, headache, nausea/heartburn, weakness, increased cough, gout, lower heart rate, fatigue, lethargy, constipation, weakness.

CAUTIONS

• Routine use of this drug in emergency high blood pressure is not recommended.
• Do not take this drug sublingually (under the tongue).
• Notify your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a drug in this class.
• Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, severe left ventricular dysfunction or other types of heart problems, liver or kidney dysfunction.
• Abrupt withdrawal may cause increased duration and frequency of chest pain.
• The elderly may be at greater risk of experiencing low blood pressure and constipation associated with this therapy.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug is metabolized by a specific set of liver enzymes. Several other drugs interfere with these liver enzymes, and thus may increase or decrease the clearance of nifedipine from the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or decreasing effectiveness. When these drugs are given in combination with nifedipine, dosage adjustments may be needed. As these are too numerous to list, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting a new medication, herbal, or nonprescription product.

FOOD INTERACTIONS
Alcohol, grapefruit juice. Do not take Adalat with high-fat meals; take on an empty stomach.

HERBAL INTERACTIONS
St. John?s wort, ephedra, yohimbine, garlic

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category C. Excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Sustained release products should not be crushed or chewed. The shell of sustained release tablets may appear intact in stool. This is no cause for concern.