Product Description

Nifedipine Prolonged Release Tablets IP 10 mg belong to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), specifically dihydropyridines, primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic stable angina pectoris (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart).

Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other complications. Angina occurs when the coronary arteries are narrowed, limiting oxygen supply to the heart muscle during exertion.

Nifedipine works by selectively blocking L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, preventing calcium influx and causing peripheral vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels). This reduces blood pressure, decreases cardiac afterload (workload on the heart), and improves oxygen delivery to the heart, relieving angina symptoms. The prolonged-release (extended-release) formulation provides steady drug release over 24 hours for once-daily dosing and smoother blood pressure control with fewer peaks/troughs.

Uses

• Management of essential hypertension (to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risks)

• Treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris (to prevent chest pain episodes and improve exercise tolerance)

• Off-label: Prevention of vasospastic angina or adjunctive therapy in certain hypertensive emergencies (under specialist care)

How it works

Nifedipine Prolonged Release Tablets IP 10 mg contain nifedipine, which inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells via L-type calcium channels. This leads to relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, reducing peripheral vascular resistance (afterload) and lowering blood pressure without significantly affecting heart rate at low doses. In angina, it dilates the coronary arteries to increase myocardial oxygen supply and reduces oxygen demand by decreasing cardiac workload. The prolonged-release matrix ensures gradual absorption (peak levels in 4-6 hours, duration 24 hours), minimizing fluctuations and side effects compared to immediate-release formulations.

Benefits

• Effectively lowers blood pressure to prevent complications like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney disease, often as monotherapy or in combination

• Relieves chronic angina symptoms, allowing greater physical activity and improved quality of life without the addiction risk of nitrates

• Once-daily dosing enhances adherence; the low 10 mg dose is suitable for elderly patients or those with mild hypertension to minimize side effects like orthostatic hypotension

• Provides 24-hour coverage with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, reducing the need for multiple daily doses

• May improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness over time with consistent use

How to use

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break, chew, or divide it (to preserve the prolonged-release mechanism and avoid dose dumping, which could cause rapid blood pressure drop).

• Take once daily, preferably at the same time each day (e.g., morning), with or without food—avoid grapefruit juice, as it increases drug levels via CYP3A4 inhibition.

• Dosage is individualized (start low at 10 mg for sensitive patients; max 90 mg/day); follow your doctor's titration schedule and monitor blood pressure regularly.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remember unless close to the next dose—do not double up. Continue for long-term management unless advised otherwise.

Side Effects

• Headache (often transient)

• Flushing (warmth/redness of skin)

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing)

• Ankle or peripheral edema (swelling due to fluid retention)

• Nausea or abdominal discomfort

• Fatigue or weakness

• Palpitations or tachycardia (fast heartbeat)

• Gingival hyperplasia (gum enlargement with prolonged use)

• Rash or itching

• Rare but serious: Severe hypotension, heart failure exacerbation, myocardial infarction, or allergic reactions (e.g., angioedema)

Safety Advice

• Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Nifedipine Prolonged Release Tablets IP 10 mg, as it can enhance vasodilation, leading to excessive blood pressure drop, dizziness, or fainting.

• Use during pregnancy only if benefits outweigh risks (FDA pregnancy category C; crosses placenta and may cause fetal hypoxia—avoid in 1st trimester if possible; nifedipine is used off-label for preterm labor but requires monitoring). Not recommended during breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk (may cause infant hypotension or flushing).

• Caution in liver impairment (reduced metabolism; start at 10 mg and monitor); dose adjustment needed in severe kidney disease (though primarily hepatic clearance). Elderly patients (>65 years) may need lower doses due to increased sensitivity.

• Contraindicated in cardiogenic shock, severe aortic stenosis, or with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole). Inform your doctor of all medications to avoid interactions (e.g., beta-blockers may cause additive hypotension; digoxin levels may rise). Do not drive or operate machinery if dizzy.

• Monitor for signs of low blood pressure (e.g., fainting) or edema; rise slowly from sitting/lying positions. Regular check-ups for heart/kidney function are advised for long-term use.

Storage Conditions

• Store at temperatures below 30°C (86°F); do not freeze.

FAQs

What is Nifedipine used for?

Nifedipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing the blood vessels; this lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, other heart problems, or kidney problems in the future.

Can Nifedipine 10mg cause a drop in blood pressure?

Yes, Nifedipine tablets can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. To avoid sudden drops, please get up gently when sitting down so as to avoid dizziness.

Can I stop taking Nifedipine when my blood pressure is under control or normal?

It is advised to continue your medicine even after your blood pressure is under control or becomes normal, as blood pressure can shoot up at any time. If your headache persists, contact your doctor without delay.

What should I do if I miss a Nifedipine dose?

If you miss a Nifedipine dose, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. If it’s time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Taking both doses together can lead to very low blood pressure; hence, avoid a double dose.

Can I take Nifedipine 10mg on my own?

No, this is a prescription medication provided by a doctor to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.

What if I forgot to take the Nifedipine tablet?

If you forget to take a Nifedipine 10mg Tablet at any time, take it as soon as you remember, then continue to take it at the usual times. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

Does Nifedipine 10mg Tablet have withdrawal symptoms?

If stopped abruptly, it may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Before stopping medicine, consult your doctor; your dose will be lowered gradually to avoid any unpleasant Nifedipine side effects.