EVIDENCE-BASED

Nifedipine

WHO ATCC08CA05INNNifedipine

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used mainly to treat high blood pressure and angina. Immediate-release and extended-release products differ substantially, so instructions depend on the exact formulation.

At a glance

Quick facts

Drug snapshot
Drug class
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker
Main uses
Hypertension · angina
Route
Oral
WHO ATC
C08CA05
Forms
Modified / extended-release products
Key interaction
Grapefruit can increase exposure

Names & terminology

How this entity may be named or searched

Canonical generic name
Nifedipine
Formulation terms
ER · XL · extended release · prolonged release
Brand examples
Adalat CC · Procardia XL — market availability varies
Important distinction
Immediate-release capsules and extended-release tablets are not interchangeable instructions.

Structured drug profile

Drug profile

INN data
INNNifedipineInternational nonproprietary name.
WHO ATCC08CA05WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification.
Drug classDihydropyridine calcium-channel blockerPharmacologic / therapeutic class.
MechanismBlocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, producing vasodilation.Mechanism summarized at reference level.
RouteOralAvailable routes depend on the specific product.
Main usesHypertension · angina; some health systems also use it for Raynaud's phenomenonApproved indications can differ by country and formulation.
Key safety contextLow blood pressure · edema · headache · formulation-specific dosingCheck the exact product label and patient-specific contraindications.
Monitoring / reviewBlood pressure · edema · interacting medicinesClinical monitoring depends on indication, dose and patient factors.

What is nifedipine?

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used mainly for high blood pressure and angina; some health systems also use it for Raynaud's phenomenon.

What is nifedipine used for?

Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension and to control angina. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing arterial smooth muscle and can improve coronary blood flow. It is also used off-label in some settings for conditions such as Raynaud phenomenon or preterm labor. [1]

How nifedipine works

Nifedipine reduces calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, relaxing arteries and lowering vascular resistance.

Forms and release systems

Modern nifedipine therapy often uses extended-release tablets. The DailyMed product cited here is designed for once-daily administration and is available in 30 mg, 60 mg and 90 mg strengths. Other formulations and markets differ, so the tablet strength alone does not define the schedule. [2]

Country / market layer

Brands & formulations by country

Selected registered products and formulations differ by market. African tabs use national regulatory records or regulator-backed public registration data.

Local availability
🇳🇬
NigeriaExamples in NAFDAC Greenbook
Source ↗
Brand / productFormStrengths / notes
Adalat LAProlonged-release tablet30 mg
NifecureModified-release tablet20 mg
Topnife-30Extended-release tablet30 mg
Examples are not a complete product register and do not imply current pharmacy stock. Registration status, strengths and legal availability can change. Release-system terminology matters for nifedipine; products with different release characteristics should not be treated as interchangeable.

How nifedipine is taken

MedlinePlus describes extended-release nifedipine as once daily and advises swallowing extended-release tablets whole rather than splitting, chewing or crushing them. Exact food instructions can vary by product, so patients should follow the leaflet for the formulation supplied. [1]

Side effects

Nifedipine can cause headache, flushing, dizziness, ankle swelling, palpitations and other effects related to vasodilation. Marked dizziness, fainting, worsening chest pain or signs of a severe allergic reaction need clinical assessment. Product-specific adverse effects and precautions should be checked in the actual label. [1]

Warnings and precautions

Low blood pressure · edema · headache · formulation-specific dosing. Product-specific contraindications and precautions should be checked before use.

Interactions and precautions

Nifedipine can interact with other medicines that affect blood pressure or drug metabolism. Because formulations and indications vary, medication review is important when nifedipine is started, stopped or changed. [1]

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

NHS guidance notes that nifedipine can be used in pregnancy when clinically appropriate and is usually compatible with breastfeeding. Individual indication and formulation still matter.

Overdose and accidental extra doses

Overdose can cause severe low blood pressure and cardiovascular instability. Suspected overdose requires emergency or poison-centre guidance.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

EVIDENCE-BASED

Sources

Clinical statements in this reference are linked to named public-health, regulatory or guideline sources.

  1. 1. MedlinePlus. Nifedipine Drug Information. Source ↗
  2. 2. DailyMed. Nifedipine extended-release tablets prescribing information, updated 2026. Source ↗
  3. 3. NHS. About nifedipine and current patient guidance. Source ↗

This medicine reference is based on trusted medical and regulatory sources and is awaiting clinician review. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.