What is the maximum recommended dose of Nifedipine (Nifedipine) XL?

From the Guidelines

The maximum recommended dose of Nifedipine XL is 180 mg once daily. Treatment typically starts at a lower dose of 30-60 mg once daily, with gradual increases based on clinical response. Nifedipine XL is an extended-release calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat hypertension and angina. The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, which improves medication adherence. Doses should be adjusted based on blood pressure response and tolerability. Common side effects include peripheral edema, headache, flushing, and dizziness. Patients should take Nifedipine XL consistently at the same time each day, swallow the tablets whole without crushing or chewing, and can take it with or without food. Dose adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it's almost time for the next dose. According to the study 1, the usual dose of Nifedipine XL is 30 to 180 mg orally, which supports the maximum recommended dose.

Some key points to consider when prescribing Nifedipine XL include:

• Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed
• Monitoring blood pressure response and tolerability
• Adjusting doses for elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment
• Being aware of common side effects such as peripheral edema, headache, flushing, and dizziness
• Ensuring patients take the medication consistently and correctly.

It's also important to note that Nifedipine XL is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions, such as advanced aortic stenosis, and should be used with caution in patients with heart failure or liver disease. Overall, Nifedipine XL can be an effective treatment option for patients with hypertension and angina, but it's essential to carefully consider the individual patient's needs and medical history when prescribing this medication.

From the Research

Nifedipine XL Maximum Dose

The maximum recommended dose of Nifedipine XL is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following information can be gathered:

• The study 2 mentions that nifedipine GITS was compared with sustained-release propranolol in patients with mild to moderate hypertension, with nifedipine GITS doses of 30,60, or 90 mg once daily.
• The study 3 mentions a double-blind crossover study of once daily nifedipine coat core in essential hypertension, with doses of 30 mg or 60 mg once daily.
• The study 4 mentions that nifedipine (20 mg by oral drop) caused a significant fall in diastolic and systolic blood pressure in all patients, and continuous therapy with nifedipine (2-5 mg every 2-3 hours, mean total dose 52 mg/24 h) gave successful control of blood pressure.

Key Points

• Nifedipine XL doses range from 30 mg to 90 mg once daily in the provided studies.
• The 60 mg dose is more effective than the 30 mg dose in lowering blood pressure, as shown in study 3.
• Plasma nifedipine levels are significantly associated with the blood pressure lowering effect, as shown in study 3.

Dosage Information

• The maximum dose of nifedipine XL is not explicitly stated, but doses up to 90 mg once daily have been studied 2.
• The effective dose of nifedipine in hypertensive crises is 20 mg by oral drop, with continuous therapy of 2-5 mg every 2-3 hours, as shown in study 4.