Nifedipine
Nifedipine, sold under the brand name Adalat among others, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to manage angina, high blood pressure, Raynaud's phenomenon, and premature labor. It is one of the treatments of choice for Prinzmetal angina. It may be used to treat severe high blood pressure in pregnancy. Its use in preterm labor may allow more time for steroids to improve the baby's lung function and provide time for transfer of the mother to a well qualified medical facility before delivery. It is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type. Nifedipine is taken by mouth and comes in fast- and slow-release formulations.
Common side effects include lightheadedness, headache, feeling tired, leg swelling, cough, and shortness of breath. Serious side effects may include low blood pressure and heart failure. There is tentative evidence that its use in pregnancy is safe; however, it is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Nifedipine was patented in 1967, and approved for use in the United States in 1981. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2018, it was the 121st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 5million prescriptions.
Q421700
calcium channel blocker
Concept
Q180762
angina
Concept
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high blood pressure
Concept
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Raynaud's phenomenon
Concept
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premature labor
Concept
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Prinzmetal angina
Concept
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high blood pressure in pregnancy
Concept
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steroids
Concept
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dihydropyridine
Concept
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lightheadedness
Concept
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headache
Concept
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low blood pressure
Concept
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heart failure
Concept
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breastfeeding
Concept
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World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines
MEDIA
Q506319
generic medication
Concept
Q39111
Nifedipine
Concept
Q39111
Nifedipine
Concept
Q39111
Nifedipine
Concept
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1967
DATE
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subclass of
medical condition treated
medical condition treated