by What is Nifedipine?
Nifedipine is a type of calcium channel blocker medication. It works by relaxing the muscles in blood vessel walls. This allows blood vessels to widen, which reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow. Nifedipine comes as an extended-release tablet that is taken by mouth. It is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and chest pain known as angina.
How Does Nifedipine Work?
Nifedipine Medication works by blocking calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels. Calcium is essential for muscles to contract. When calcium channels are blocked by nifedipine, muscle cells in the heart and vessel walls relax. This produces two main effects:
– Blood pressure decreases as vessel walls relax and arteries dilate. Better blood flow results.
– For people with angina, relaxation of the heart muscle improves blood supply to the heart. This relieves chest pain and other symptoms caused by reduced blood flow.
By reducing blood pressure and improving circulation, nifedipine helps control symptoms of high blood pressure and angina. It takes effect within 30-90 minutes and lasts for up to 24 hours with the extended-release form.
Treating High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts extra strain on blood vessels and vital organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys. Left uncontrolled, it increases risks for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health issues. Nifedipine Medication is an effective treatment option either alone or combined with other medications.
For most people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure, nifedipine extended-release tablets 30-90 mg once daily is sufficient to control symptoms. It may take 4-8 weeks to achieve results. Ongoing monitoring by a doctor ensures blood pressure stays within a healthy target range of under 130/80 mmHg. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management aid the effects of nifedipine treatment.
Managing Angina
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It often arises during physical exertion or emotional stress. By relaxing heart muscle and dilating blood vessels, nifedipine reduces the frequency and severity of angina attacks.
For people with stable angina who haven’t received other treatments, an initial nifedipine dose is 30-60 mg daily in divided doses. Dosages can then be adjusted up to 120-180 mg daily as needed for adequate relief of symptoms. Many patients find nifedipine extended-release tablets 60-90 mg once a day relieves their angina without marked side effects. Staying on a consistent nifedipine schedule is crucial for managing angina long-term.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Nifedipine Medication may produce mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. Early signs of low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Swollen feet and ankles can also arise. Monitor side effects and notify your doctor if they persist or worsen over time. Other rarer side effects involve stomach upset, nausea or vomiting. Adjusting the dosage or switching to another medication variety may help minimize unwanted symptoms from nifedipine use.
Precautions for Usage
People should not stop taking nifedipine abruptly without consulting their doctor. A gradual reduction in dosage is safer to avoid precipitating hypertension or heart symptoms. Nifedipine may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs through effects on the liver. Be sure to disclose all current medications to the prescribing clinician. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use nifedipine if benefits clearly outweigh any potential risks to the developing fetus or newborn. Monitor newborns for jaundice if treatment continues during late pregnancy. Overall, nifedipine provides valuable therapy for hypertension and angina when used appropriately under medical supervision.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
