Nifedipine for Hypertension and Angina (Adalat®/Procardia®)

What Nifedipine Is and How It Works

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure and angina. It relaxes arterial smooth muscle and lowers peripheral resistance. That drop reduces blood pressure and can improve oxygen supply to the heart. Clinicians use this nifedipine medication for chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina, and hypertension. The drug nifedipine is usually given as an extended‑release tablet taken once daily.

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To define nifedipine clearly: it blocks L‑type calcium channels in vascular tissue. The effect is stronger on arteries than on the heart. Heart rate may rise slightly as vessels dilate. For hypertension, prescribers often choose long‑acting tablets. Short‑acting capsules are not preferred for routine blood pressure control. Common strengths include 30 mg nifedipine, nifedipine 60 mg, and 90 mg extended‑release tablets.

Nifedipine tablet uses include treatment of high blood pressure and long‑term management of angina. Many people know the nifedipine brand under different trade names. The brand name for nifedipine includes Adalat and Procardia in various markets. These represent a nifedipine trade name and may appear as nifedipine other names on labels.

Nifedipine for high blood pressure may be combined with other drug classes when needed. It can also help reduce attacks in people with vasospastic angina. Some clinicians use nifedipine for Raynaud’s phenomenon to decrease cold‑induced finger blanching. A valid nifedipine prescription is required for dispensing.

Dosage and Usage

• Hypertension, extended‑release: typical starting dose is 30 mg once daily. Titrate every 1–2 weeks based on response.
• Usual maintenance range: 30–90 mg once daily. Maximum daily dose depends on product, often up to 90–120 mg.
• Chronic stable or vasospastic angina: 30–60 mg once daily, titrated to symptom control.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon (off‑label): extended‑release 30–90 mg once daily, as directed by a prescriber.
• Swallow extended‑release tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew a nifedipine 30mg tablet or higher strength.
• Take at the same time each day. With or without food is acceptable, but stay consistent with meals.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. It can raise nifedipine levels and increase side effects.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double doses.
• Do not stop suddenly without medical advice, especially if taking it for angina.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are usually acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry and protected from light. Use the original bottle or blister.
• When you travel, carry tablets in hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Do not store in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
• If a tablet shell appears in stool, this can be a normal empty matrix from certain extended‑release products.

Benefits and Savings

Nifedipine blood pressure medication provides 24‑hour coverage with extended‑release forms. Once‑daily dosing supports adherence. It lowers systolic and diastolic pressures and reduces angina frequency. Many people see improved exercise tolerance as symptoms come under control. For Raynaud’s, fewer cold‑triggered episodes may occur.

Generic nifedipine offers strong value with clinically proven results. You can choose common strengths such as 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg to match your prescription. The convenient long‑acting formulation simplifies a daily routine. The consistent release helps avoid sharp peaks and troughs.

Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy often provides significant savings. Typical savings can reach 60–80% compared to usual U.S. prices. If you are comparing the price of nifedipine, review your strength and quantity. The nifedipine price can vary by dose and pack size. Many customers ask about the nifedipine 30 mg price, nifedipine 60 mg price, or nifedipine 90 mg price. Multi‑month supplies may reduce the average monthly nifedipine cost. You can turn on reorder reminders to avoid gaps in therapy.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache, flushing, or warmth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling in ankles or feet (peripheral edema)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Palpitations or a faster heartbeat
• Nausea, heartburn, or constipation
• Gingival tenderness or overgrowth with long‑term use

More serious effects are uncommon but can occur. These include low blood pressure with fainting, worsening chest pain at initiation or dose increases, marked peripheral edema, rare allergic reactions, or liver enzyme elevations. Nifedipine and heart failure require caution. Extended‑release forms may be considered in some cases, but short‑acting forms are avoided in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Discuss personal risks with a clinician.

Interactions can be important. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, or certain HIV medicines) can raise levels. Inducers such as rifampin or carbamazepine can lower levels. Grapefruit increases exposure and should be avoided. Some statins require attention; keep simvastatin doses within recommended limits when used with calcium channel blockers. Nifedipine does not cause low blood sugar.

Onset Time

Extended‑release nifedipine begins lowering blood pressure within hours of the first dose. A steady effect appears after about one to two weeks. Full response may take two to four weeks as the dose is adjusted. Angina symptoms often ease within the first week at an effective dose. People using nifedipine for Raynaud’s may notice fewer episodes after one to two weeks in cold conditions.

Compare With Alternatives

Amlodipine is another dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It has a long half‑life and a smooth 24‑hour effect. Swelling can occur with both drugs, but amlodipine may be gentler on heart rate. Some patients who do not tolerate one agent do well on the other.

Diltiazem is a non‑dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It can slow heart rate and may help with angina through rate control and vasodilation. It is often chosen when both rate and blood pressure need attention. It is less likely to cause ankle swelling but can interact with other heart‑rate agents.

ACE inhibitors or ARBs are common first‑line choices for hypertension, especially with diabetes or kidney disease. Nifedipine can be used with these drugs when more control is needed. Thiazide diuretics are another frequent partner for combination therapy.

Combination Therapy

• Nifedipine plus an ACE inhibitor (e.g., lisinopril) for added blood pressure reduction.
• Nifedipine plus an ARB (e.g., losartan) as an alternative to ACE inhibitors.
• Nifedipine plus a thiazide diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) to enhance diuresis and control.
• Nifedipine plus a beta‑blocker for angina when rate control is needed.
• Nifedipine plus long‑acting nitrates in refractory angina, with blood pressure monitoring.
• Adjust other agents if symptomatic hypotension or edema occurs.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with hypertension or chronic angina may be candidates for nifedipine tab therapy. Severe aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, or acute myocardial infarction are contraindications for immediate use. People with significant liver disease may need dose adjustments. Older adults may start at the lower end of the range.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized advice. Nifedipine has been used during pregnancy under medical supervision for certain conditions, but risks and benefits must be weighed. Those with frequent heartburn may experience worsened reflux. Extended‑release tablets should be swallowed whole and not altered.

Grapefruit products should be avoided during treatment. Alcohol can enhance dizziness. If chest pain worsens or edema becomes troublesome, medical attention is important. For nifedipine for high blood pressure, regular home blood pressure checks help clinicians adjust therapy.

Ordering is simple. Add your items to the cart, upload your prescription, and choose your shipping method. Consider a 90‑day supply to lower the per‑month cost if your prescriber approves. Reorder reminders can help you stay on schedule without running short.

Authoritative Sources

Pfizer Procardia XL prescribing information

FDA label for extended‑release nifedipine

Health Canada Drug Product Database: nifedipine search

Order nifedipine from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific treatment.