Calcigard Retard: uses, side effects and interactions
Calcigard Retard is a drug that belongs to the group of calcium channel blockers of the dihydropyridine group. The active ingredient of the drug is nifedipine. Calcigard Retard is manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals in India and is used to treat hypertension, angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Raynaud's disease, pulmonary hypertension and broncho-obstructive syndrome.
However, like other medicines, Calcigard Retard has a number of contraindications and side effects. The drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to nifedipine, acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, severe aortic stenosis, heart failure in the stage of decompensation, severe arterial hypotension, tachycardia, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
Among the side effects of Calcigard Retard are changes in hematopoiesis, facial flushing with a feeling of heat, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension (up to fainting), angina-like pain, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopenic purpura. Dizziness, headache, stupor, changes in visual perception, impaired sensitivity in the arms and legs, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, gingival hyperplasia (with long-term treatment), increased activity of liver transaminases, bronchospasm, myalgia, tremor, itching, urticaria may also occur. , exanthema, exfoliative dermatitis, swelling and redness of the arms and legs, photodermatitis, hyperglycemia, gynecomastia (in elderly patients), burning sensation at the injection site (with intravenous administration).
It is also necessary to take into account the possible interaction of Calcigard Retard with other drugs. Nitrates, diuretics, beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl and alcohol may enhance the hypotensive effect of the drug. In addition, nifedipine increases the activity of theophylline, reduces the renal clearance of digoxin and increases the side effects of vincristine. Cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, cefepime) and aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin) may enhance the undesirable effect on hematopoiesis, and antacids and other drugs containing magnesium, aluminum or calcium may reduce the effectiveness of Calcigard Retard.
Before starting to use Calcigard Retard, you should consult your doctor and inform