Nifedipat-Retard

Nifedipat retard: use, side effects and interactions with other drugs

Nifedipat retard is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine group and is used for the treatment of arterial hypertension and the prevention of angina attacks, including Prinzmetal's angina. The drug can also be used for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Raynaud's disease, pulmonary hypertension and broncho-obstructive syndrome.

Nifedipat retard is manufactured by Atsupharma GmbH in Germany and is available in the dosage form of 20 mg capsules. The active substance is nifedipine.

Despite the effectiveness of the drug, it has a number of contraindications and restrictions for use. Nifedipat retard should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to nifedipine, acute period of myocardial infarction (first 8 days), cardiogenic shock, severe aortic stenosis, heart failure in the stage of decompensation, severe arterial hypotension, tachycardia, pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, the use of nifedipat retard is not recommended in pediatric practice due to the lack of data on effectiveness and safety in children.

Side effects may occur when using nifedipat retard. These may include facial flushing with a feeling of heat, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension (up to fainting), angina-like pain, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, dizziness, headache, stunnedness, changes in visual perception, impaired sensitivity in the hands and legs, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, gingival hyperplasia (with long-term treatment), increased activity of liver transaminases, bronchospasm, myalgia, tremor, itching, urticaria, exanthema, exfoliative dermatitis, swelling and redness of the hands and feet, photodermatitis, hyperglycemia, gynecomastia (in elderly patients), burning sensation at the injection site (with intravenous administration).

Nifedipat retard may also interact with other drugs. Thus, nitrates, diuretics, beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl and alcohol can enhance the hypotensive effect of nifedipat retard. Antibiotics from the macrolide group, antifungal drugs from the azole group, protease inhibitors from the group of HIV protease inhibitors, as well as some other drugs can increase the concentration of nifedipat in the blood and enhance its toxic effects.

Before starting to use nifedipat retard, you must consult your doctor and inform him about all medications you are taking and your health condition. It is also necessary to follow dosage recommendations and not exceed the recommended dose to avoid the development of side effects and complications.