Nifedipine Flashcards

Nifedipine Overview

• Generic name: Nifedipine; Trade names include Procardia and Adalat.
• Classified as an antianginal, antihypertensive, and a calcium channel blocker.
• FDA pregnancy category C.

Mechanism of Action

• Reduces arterial blood pressure through peripheral arterial vasodilation.
• Inhibits calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle by binding to voltage-dependent and receptor-operated channels.

Therapeutic Uses

• Indicated for vasopastic angina and angina of effort.
• Often used in combination with a beta blocker to mitigate reflexive heart stimulation.
• Long-term use associated with reduced rates of heart failure, coronary bypass surgery, but not necessarily stroke, myocardial infarction, or mortality.
• Also used to treat essential hypertension.

Pharmacology

• Well absorbed orally but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism; only around 50% reaches systemic circulation.
• Completely metabolized before excretion in urine.

Dosage Information

• Angina treatment: 10 mg orally, three times daily (tid), with a range of 10 to 20 mg tid, maximum 180 mg/day.
• Hypertension treatment: 30 to 60 mg/day of extended-release (ER) tablet, with a maximum of 90 to 120 mg/day.

Side Effects

• Possible side effects include angina, asthenia, AV block, constipation, cough, dizziness, fatigue, flushing, headache, hypotension, lightheadedness, mood changes, nasal congestion, nervousness, nausea/vomiting, peripheral edema, tremor, and weakness.

Drug Interactions

• May interact with beta blockers, cimetidine, CYP3A inhibitors and inducers, digoxin, and grapefruit juice.

Nursing Considerations

• Close monitoring is required while adjusting the dosage to ensure patient safety and drug efficacy.

Patient Teaching

• Instruct to swallow the ER tablet whole and to avoid grapefruit juice.
• Educate about possible CNS effects and to report any irregular heartbeat or swelling in hands/feet.

Test your knowledge on Nifedipine with these flashcards. Learn about its classification, FDA category, and mechanism of action. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in pharmacology!