Adalat

Adalat (Nifedipine)

Adalat

Nifedipine tablet

What is it used for?

NIFEDIPINE is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used for the treatment of chest pains caused by angina.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• heart problems, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nifedipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally by swallowing the whole tablet accompanied with a glass of water. Your doses should be taken at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. You shouldn’t stop taking this medicine abruptly. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop taking the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• cimetidine
• diuretics
• grapefruit juice
• local or general anesthetics
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
• warfarin

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo the necessary check-ups. Your blood pressure and pulse rate should be checked regularly during the treatment course with this medicine. Inquire with your doctor or health care professional of what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and under what circumstances you are advised to contact them.

You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how exactly this medicine affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol may cause interference with this medicine’s effect. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• blood in the urine
• difficulty breathing
• fast heartbeat, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pains
• redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
• reduced amount of urine passed
• skin rash
• swelling of the legs and ankles

The below side effects usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• constipation
• facial flushing
• headache
• weakness or tiredness

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). You should do your best to protect it from the light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.