Nifedipine Flashcards

Study Notes

Nifedipine Overview

Nifedipine is marketed under the brand names Procardia and Adalat.
Classified as a calcium channel blocker, primarily used to manage cardiovascular conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits calcium ions from moving across cell membranes.
Acts as both an arterial and venous vasodilator.
Reduces preload and afterload on the heart.
Prevents coronary artery spasms and diminishes total peripheral resistance.
Decreases myocardial oxygen demand without prolonging AV nodal conduction.

Indications

Effective in treating hypertensive crises.
Used for alleviating angina pectoris.

Contraindications

Not suitable for patients with compensatory hypertension, hypotension, or cardiogenic shock.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and weakness.
Other reactions can be mood changes, respiratory issues (dyspnea, cough, wheezing), and serious events like congestive heart failure (CHF), myocardial infarction (MI), and ventricular dysrhythmias.
Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.

Drug Interactions

Co-administration with beta blockers can enhance the effects of Nifedipine.
Theophylline levels may increase, leading to potentiated effects.
Concurrent use with antihypertensives can lead to increased hypotensive effects.

Formulation and Administration

Available as liquid-filled capsules in dosages of 10 mg and 20 mg.
For adult patients, the recommended administration is 10 mg sublingually or buccally, with the option for a repeat dose after 30 minutes if necessary.

Pediatric Use

Use in pediatric patients is not recommended.

Duration of Action

Onset occurs within 15-30 minutes of administration.
Peak effects are observed between 1-3 hours.
The duration of action lasts approximately 6-8 hours.

Special Considerations

Classified as pregnancy safety category C.
Does not affect AV nodal activity; however, beta blockers should be available to manage reflex tachycardia.
Caution is advised when prescribing to the geriatric population due to the risk of hypotension and angina.

Description

Test your knowledge of Nifedipine with these flashcards. Explore its class, mechanism of action, and key definitions to better understand this calcium channel blocker. Perfect for students or professionals in pharmacology and medicine.