High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure," is a common health condition among many people in our country. So, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication for your blood pressure. Among them, you may be familiar with the name Nifedipine. This is a long-acting (Extended-Release) type of medication that is often given. So today, let's talk about this drug called Nifedipine, everything about it, as simply as if you were talking to a friend.
What exactly is Nifedipine?
Simply put, Nifedipine is a medicine used to control high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called 'Calcium Channel Blockers'.
Think of the blood vessels in our body as pipes that carry water. When the pressure increases, it means that the pressure of the blood flowing inside these pipes increases. What this Nifedipine drug does is to 'relax' and widen those blood vessels. Then the pressure inside the blood vessels decreases. Due to this, the effort our heart has to pump blood is also greatly reduced. That is the main function of this drug.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing Nifedipine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have had a heart attack before.
- If you have other heart disease or heart failure .
- If you have low blood pressure .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have any blockage in your bowels or frequent constipation .
- If you have allergies to nifedipine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or are expecting to become pregnant soon .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It's for your own safety to say these things without hiding them.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of this medicine, it is essential to use it as directed.
- Swallow only: Since this is an 'Extended-Release' tablet, never break, crush, or chew the tablet . Swallow the tablet whole with water. Failure to do so may cause the medicine to be released into the body suddenly and cause side effects.
- Take it at the right time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. If your doctor tells you to take it on an empty stomach, do so. Or if he tells you to take it after a meal, do so.
- Don't stop until your doctor tells you to: Even if you feel better now, don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Very important: Do not drink grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Grapefruit can change the way this medication works in the body, causing dangerous side effects.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If such a thing happens, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Nifedipine is a drug that can interact with other medications, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (even vitamins, traditional medicines, and nutritional supplements).
| Drug category | Things to be especially careful about |
|---|---|
| Avoid completely | Some medications for epilepsy (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin), tuberculosis medications such as Rifampin, and herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort. |
| Other medications that may cause problems | Other blood pressure medications, medications for HIV/AIDS, some medications for diabetes, medications for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole), medications for heart rhythm disorders (e.g. Flecainide), medications to prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin), Digoxin, Erythromycin, some antidepressants (e.g. Fluoxetine), medications to control stomach acid (e.g. Omeprazole, Ranitidine). |
| Food and drink | Grapefruit juice or fruit. Also ask your doctor about alcohol consumption. |
This list is not complete, so please inform your doctor about anything you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Visit your doctor at the clinic on your scheduled appointment to have your condition checked. If you are checking your blood pressure at home, ask your doctor what your normal blood pressure should be.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: Some people may feel a little drowsy or dizzy when taking this medicine. Therefore, stay away from activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed.
- Cough, cold: If you have a cough or cold, ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
- Excretion of the tablet shell in the stool: This is something that many people are afraid of, but there is no reason to be afraid. The outer shell (tablet shell) of some types of Nifedipine tablets does not dissolve in the body. After the medicinal part of the medicine is absorbed by the body, the empty shell is completely excreted in the stool. If you see this, consider it normal.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Nifedipine can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, and feeling cold. |
| Heart Failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Increased chest pain (Angina) | Increasing pain or stiffness in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
Headache, constipation, dizziness, flushing, nausea, stomach pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations). | |
Take-Home Message
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as your doctor tells you.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the Nifedipine Extended-Release tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Avoid grapefruit juice or fruit completely while taking this medication.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and even herbs you are taking.
- It is normal to see the pill cover come out with the stool, don't worry about it.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling.
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