From the Guidelines
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically a dihydropyridine, which works by blocking calcium channels in blood vessel walls and heart muscle, causing relaxation of these tissues and leading to vasodilation. This classification is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which provides a comprehensive overview of calcium channel blockers and their properties 1. The dihydropyridine subclass, to which nifedipine belongs, has high selectivity for L-type channels in the vasculature and produces a decrease in coronary and systemic vascular resistance, exerting an antianginal action by reducing oxygen demand.
Key Properties of Nifedipine
- Nifedipine is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain) 1.
- Common dosages include immediate-release forms and extended-release formulations, with the latter generally preferred due to reduced risk of rapid drops in blood pressure and reflex tachycardia 1.
- Common side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, and peripheral edema (swelling in the legs and ankles) 1.
- Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking nifedipine as it can increase drug levels and side effects by inhibiting metabolism of the medication.
Clinical Considerations
- Immediate-release nifedipine should not be administered to patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) in the absence of beta-blocker therapy due to increased risk of harm 1.
- Long-acting preparations of nifedipine may be useful in older patients with systolic hypertension 1.
- The use of nifedipine and other calcium channel blockers should be guided by the most recent clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice, taking into account individual patient needs and medical history 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Nifedipine is a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow-channel blocker or calcium ion antagonist) Nifedipine extended-release tablets, USP are an extended release tablet dosage form of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine.
The drug class of Nifedipine is a Calcium Channel Blocker 2 2.
- Key words: Calcium Channel Blocker, calcium ion influx inhibitor
- Main idea: Nifedipine belongs to the class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
From the Research
Drug Class of Nifedipine
- Nifedipine is classified as a Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Specifically, it belongs to the dihydropyridine class of CCBs, which primarily act as vasodilators 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Mechanism of Action
- Nifedipine works by blocking the L-type calcium receptors in the peripheral vasculature, leading to arterial vasodilation 7
- At high concentrations, such as in overdoses, nifedipine can lose specificity for its receptors and show all manifestations of toxicity, including bradycardia, peripheral vasodilation, and hypotension 7