Nifedipine
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure and angina, sold here as generic Adalat tablets in 10mg, 20mg and 30mg and generic Procardia tablets in 30mg.
What nifedipine is used for
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, a drug that relaxes the muscle in artery walls. Wider arteries mean lower blood pressure and an easier job for the heart, which is why it is taken for high blood pressure and for angina, the chest tightness or pain that comes when the heart lacks oxygen, often during exertion. A third use is Raynaud's phenomenon, in which fingers and toes turn white and numb in the cold.
Adalat and Procardia: the two nifedipine tablets here
Nifedipine is listed twice. Adalat comes in 10mg, 20mg and 30mg tablets, which leaves room to start low and climb; Procardia comes only as 30mg tablets. The active ingredient is identical, so only the brand and the strength range differ. Both sit in the heart and blood pressure range, next to other medicines for the same conditions.
Taking nifedipine
Tablets go down with a glass of water. Slow-release versions are made to let the drug out gradually over the day, so crushing, chewing or splitting one frees much of the dose at once and can send blood pressure down sharply; they stay whole. Quicker-acting tablets are spread over two or three doses a day. Either way, a fixed daily routine keeps the level even, and treatment usually opens low and is raised if pressure or angina still calls for more. A cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight suits the pack.
Side effects to expect, and one to act on
Most people notice headache, flushing, dizziness or swollen ankles, mainly in the first days or after a step up in strength, and these often settle. Some get a pounding heartbeat, nausea or unusual tiredness. Swelling of the lips, face or throat, a rash that spreads, or trouble breathing means an allergy and needs emergency treatment.
Alcohol, grapefruit and other medicines
Grapefruit and its juice raise the nifedipine level in the blood, so cut them out for the length of treatment. Alcohol stacks onto the fall in blood pressure and makes dizziness more likely. Some antibiotics and antifungals raise nifedipine levels, and other blood pressure medicines add to its effect.
Sources
- Nifedipine: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- High blood pressure (hypertension) - Healthdirect — Healthdirect Australia
Where can I order Nifedipine for delivery in Hong Kong?
Nifedipine can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The products are generic Adalat tablets in 10mg, 20mg and 30mg, and generic Procardia tablets in 30mg. If a parcel does not arrive within the delivery window or arrives damaged, it is sent again free, or the order is refunded if that is not possible.
How much do Nifedipine products cost in Hong Kong?
Each of the two nifedipine products has its own price per pack, shown on its page in HKD or your selected currency; larger packs usually cost less per unit.
Do I need a prescription to order Nifedipine?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order nifedipine. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the brand names for nifedipine?
Adalat and Procardia are brand names of nifedipine, which is also sold as Adipine, Coracten, Depin and Nicardia. Here, nifedipine can be bought online as generic Adalat and generic Procardia. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between Adalat and Procardia?
Both are nifedipine, sold under different brand names. Adalat comes here as 10mg, 20mg and 30mg tablets, Procardia as 30mg tablets. The active ingredient is the same in each, so what you are really choosing between is the strength range and the name on the pack.
Can I drink alcohol with nifedipine?
A drink now and then is unlikely to cause trouble, but alcohol widens blood vessels in the same way nifedipine does, so the pair together can leave you dizzy, light-headed or faint, and can make the heart beat faster. A heavy session is more likely to bring that on.
Does grapefruit juice affect nifedipine?
Yes. Grapefruit slows the breakdown of nifedipine, so more of the drug stays in the blood and the effects — dizziness, flushing and a sharp fall in blood pressure among them — can be stronger than expected. Orange juice does not do this. It is simpler to leave grapefruit out of your diet while taking the tablets.
Should nifedipine tablets be swallowed whole?
The long-acting tablets are designed to release the drug gradually and should be swallowed whole with water. Crushing, chewing or splitting one lets the full dose out at once, which can make blood pressure fall quickly. Short-acting nifedipine tablets are taken two or three times a day.
Why does nifedipine make the ankles swell?
Nifedipine widens the small arteries more than the veins, so fluid moves out of the capillaries into the tissue around the ankles. It is a common effect, usually mild, and often more noticeable by the evening or in warm weather. Raising your feet when you sit can help, and it tends to ease as the body adjusts.