nifedipine at a glance
Medicine class
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker
Licensed roles
High blood pressure and prevention of chronic stable angina
Administration
Swallow modified- or prolonged-release tablets and capsules whole with water
Food and drink
Generally taken with or without food; avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
What is nifedipine used for?
Selected modified- and prolonged-release products are licensed in adults for:
Treatment of high blood pressure.
Prevention of chronic stable angina; these formulations do not relieve an acute angina attack.
Nifedipine is also used in UK practice for Raynaud’s phenomenon, although this is not licensed for the selected products.
How does nifedipine work?
Nifedipine blocks L-type calcium channels mainly in arterial smooth muscle. This relaxes peripheral and coronary arteries, lowering vascular resistance and improving coronary blood flow.
nifedipine preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 60 mg
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
How to take nifedipine
Follow the label for the exact product supplied because release characteristics differ. Swallow modified- and prolonged-release forms whole with water; do not crush, chew, split or dissolve them. They can generally be taken with or without food, but not with grapefruit juice.
Check the product name with each new supply.
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber if swallowing is difficult rather than altering the formulation.
Do not use modified-release nifedipine for immediate relief of an angina attack.
nifedipine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Flushing or feeling warm
- Swollen ankles or peripheral oedema
- Constipation
- Feeling unwell
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic swelling of the tongue or throat, or breathing difficulty
- Fainting or symptoms of a substantial fall in blood pressure
- New or worsening chest pain
- Severe breathlessness
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
nifedipine in pregnancy
Nifedipine is commonly used during pregnancy when clinically needed, and available evidence does not identify clear harm. However, wording differs between product licences, with some selected products imposing restrictions or contraindications. Pregnancy, planned pregnancy and the exact formulation should be reviewed with the prescriber; do not stop treatment without advice.
nifedipine while breastfeeding
Nifedipine is a preferred dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker during breastfeeding because only very small amounts enter milk and no infant adverse effects have been reported. This applies to full-term, healthy infants; seek specialist advice for a premature or unwell infant. Product licences may be more restrictive.
nifedipine interactions
Nifedipine is extensively affected by CYP3A4 interactions and can add to the effects of other cardiovascular medicines.
Rifampicin
Strongly reduces nifedipine exposure and is contraindicated with the selected products.
Macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals and HIV protease inhibitors
May increase nifedipine exposure and the risk of low blood pressure or other adverse effects.
Common questions about nifedipine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is nifedipine used for?
Selected modified-release products treat high blood pressure and prevent chronic stable angina. Nifedipine is also used in practice for Raynaud’s phenomenon, although that use is not licensed for the selected products.
Is nifedipine a beta blocker?
No. It is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that mainly relaxes arteries.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.