What is Nifedipine used for?

High blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), Raynaud's disease (poor blood flow to fingers and toes causing numbness)

How do you take Nifedipine?

For regular tablets, the usual dose is 10-20 mg taken 3 times daily. For extended-release or sustained-release tablets like Adalat LA, Zymfecard XL, or M & B Nifedipine Retard, it is usually 30-60 mg once daily. Swallow the long-acting tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or break them. You can take nifedipine with or without food, but taking it with a light meal may reduce stomach upset.

What are the side effects of Nifedipine?

Headache, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, swelling of the ankles or feet, feeling flushed or warm in the face, feeling tired or weak

Who should not take Nifedipine?

People allergic to nifedipine or any of its ingredients. People with very low blood pressure or severe narrowing of the heart valve (aortic stenosis). People who recently had a heart attack (within the past month). People with unstable angina (unpredictable chest pain that is getting worse).

Nifedipine: Dosage, Uses & Brands (Adalat LA, Krishat Nifedipine Tablet, M & B Nifedipine Retard Tablet)

Showing: Adult dosing

How to take this drug

1.For regular tablets, the usual dose is 10-20 mg taken 3 times daily.
2.For extended-release or sustained-release tablets like Adalat LA, Zymfecard XL, or M & B Nifedipine Retard, it is usually 30-60 mg once daily.
3.Swallow the long-acting tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or break them.
4.You can take nifedipine with or without food, but taking it with a light meal may reduce stomach upset.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.

What to watch out for

Always buy from a licensed pharmacy. Brands like Adalat LA, Nifecure, Zymfecard XL, or M & B Nifedipine are available in reputable pharmacies across Nigeria; avoid roadside sellers as fake drugs are common. Do not stop taking nifedipine suddenly without your doctor's advice, as your blood pressure could spike dangerously. Do not share your prescription with someone else who has 'similar symptoms': the dose must be prescribed individually.

Common Side Effects

Headache
dizziness or feeling lightheaded
swelling of the ankles or feet
feeling flushed or warm in the face
feeling tired or weak

Serious Side Effects

Very fast or irregular heartbeat: go to the hospital immediately. Severe dizziness or fainting
especially when standing up. Chest pain that gets worse or does not go away: seek emergency care right away.

Drug Interactions

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking nifedipine as it can dangerously increase the drug level in your blood. Alcohol can make your blood pressure drop too low, causing dizziness or fainting. If you are taking other blood pressure medicines like amlodipine, atenolol, or lisinopril, your doctor needs to monitor you closely to avoid your BP going too low.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Nifedipine is sometimes used in pregnancy under strict doctor supervision (e.g., to manage high BP or preterm labour), but do not take it on your own. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to nifedipine or any of its ingredients. People with very low blood pressure or severe narrowing of the heart valve (aortic stenosis). People who recently had a heart attack (within the past month). People with unstable angina (unpredictable chest pain that is getting worse).

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it near windows or in your car. Keep it in its original container and far from the reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Brand Names

Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies

Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check

Counterfeit Drug Warning

Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.

Nifedipine

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