Brand name: Adalat

Generic name: Nifedipine

Indications: Chest pain (angina)
Drug classification: calcium channel blockers.
Mechanism of action: These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth
muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since
calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes
artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. It is
useful in treating and preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary
artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body
lowers the blood pressure, which reduces the burden on the heart as it pumps
blood to the body. Reducing heart burden lessens the heart muscle's demand for
oxygen, and further helps to prevent angina in patients with coronary artery
disease.
Dosage: PO. Individualized. Initial: 10 mg t.i.d.; maintenance: 10-30 mg t.i.d-q.i.d.
Special Precaution:
 tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nifedipine or any other
drugs.
  tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet); fentanyl
(Duragesic); heart and blood pressure medications like beta-blockers, digoxin
(Lanoxin), warfarin (Coumadin), and quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex);
phenytoin (Dilantin); ranitidine (Zantac); and vitamins.
 tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
 tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-
feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nifedipine, call your doctor.
 if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist
that you are taking nifedipine.
Pregnancy risk category: C
Adverse reaction: headache, upset stomach, dizziness, excessive tiredness, flushing
(feeling of warmth), heartburn, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, enlargement of
gum tissue around teeth, constipation nasal congestion, cough, decreased sexual
ability, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, difficulty breathing
or swallowing, fainting rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, increase in
frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)
Contraindication: Hypersensitivity, lactation
(continuation Adalat)
Form: Capsule and extended relaease tablet
Nursing Responsibility
 Assess excessive hypotensive response and increase heartrate due to
vasodilation.
 Assess patient who has recently terminated therapy with a beta-blocker for
withdrawal syndrome characterized by increase angina.
 Assess patient for peripheral edema that may result from arterial dilation.
 Teach patient and/or family to take pulse and blood presure at home at the same
time of the day at least twice a week and to report to the physician any
significant change, especially an increase in pulse rate and decrease in blood
pressure.