Nifedipin Uno Stada (Nifedipine)

Nifedipine acts on the cardiovascular system to manage disorders related to vascular tone and myocardial oxygen demand.

• Hypertension: reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by relaxing arterial smooth muscle.
• Chronic stable angina: alleviates chest pain by improving coronary blood flow.
• Raynaud's phenomenon: diminishes vasospasm in peripheral arteries, reducing episodes of color change and discomfort.

• Nifedipine selectively blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac myocytes. By inhibiting calcium influx, it prevents contraction of arterial smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and lowering peripheral vascular resistance. The resulting decrease in afterload improves myocardial oxygen supply and reduces blood pressure, while also relaxing coronary arteries to relieve angina.

Nifedipine may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring shortly after dosing.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the face or neck.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of ankles or feet due to fluid accumulation.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially when standing quickly.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure that can cause fainting.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack, particularly in patients with pre‑existing coronary disease.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzyme elevations indicating possible liver injury.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential complications.

• Blood pressure monitoring: check regularly to avoid excessive hypotension.
• Discontinuation: avoid abrupt cessation, especially in patients with coronary artery disease, to prevent rebound angina.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution and consider dose adjustment in patients with liver dysfunction.
• Heart failure: monitor for signs of fluid overload and worsening symptoms.
• Grapefruit juice: advise patients to avoid as it can increase plasma concentrations.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Nifedipine can interact with several drug classes, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may raise nifedipine levels and increase toxicity.
• Rifampin or other CYP3A4 inducers: can lower plasma concentrations, reducing therapeutic effect.
• Grapefruit juice: significantly enhances absorption, leading to possible overdose.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Beta‑blockers: additive blood‑pressure‑lowering effect may cause excessive hypotension.
• Diuretics: combined use can amplify volume depletion and dizziness.
• Digoxin: may increase serum digoxin concentrations, requiring level monitoring.