Nifedipine is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing and dilating the blood vessels. This action helps to reduce the workload on the heart and improves blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure and relieving angina symptoms.
Nifedipine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The immediate-release form acts quickly and is sometimes used in acute settings to manage severe hypertension or angina. However, due to its rapid onset of action, it can cause fluctuations in blood pressure and is associated with a higher risk of side effects, such as reflex tachycardia. The extended-release form provides a more gradual and sustained release of the medication, making it suitable for long-term management of hypertension and angina with a lower incidence of side effects.
Common side effects of nifedipine include headaches, dizziness, flushing, and swelling of the ankles and feet (peripheral edema). More serious but less common side effects can include significant drops in blood pressure, heart palpitations, and gastrointestinal issues. Patients taking nifedipine should be regularly monitored by their healthcare provider to ensure the medication is working effectively and to adjust the dosage if necessary.
Nifedipine can be an effective part of a treatment plan for managing high blood pressure and angina, helping to prevent complications such as heart attacks and strokes. However, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, with careful attention to any side effects or interactions with other medications the patient may be taking.