Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker

Nifedipine

Brand names: Adalat, Coracten, Adipine

Used in: Pre-eclampsia & Obstetric Emergencies

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used for hypertension, angina and Raynaud's phenomenon.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Dosage must be adjusted according to each patient’s needs. Therapy for either hypertension or angina should be initiated with 30 or 60 mg once daily. Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets USP should be swallowed whole and should not be bitten or divided. In general, titration should proceed over a 7 to 14 day period so that the physician can fully assess the response to each dose level and monitor blood pressure before proceeding to higher doses. Since steady-state plasma levels are achieved on the second day of dosing, titration may proceed more rapidly, if symptoms so warrant, provided the patient is assessed frequently. Titration to doses above 120 mg are not …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2019-06-06. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is vascular-selective, blocking L-type calcium channels in arterial smooth muscle to cause vasodilatation and lower blood pressure with little direct effect on the heart rate.

Prescribing in practice

Use a modified-release preparation; immediate-release short-acting nifedipine can cause reflex tachycardia and abrupt hypotension and is not recommended for long-term blood-pressure control.
Common dose-related effects include ankle oedema, flushing and headache.
Modified-release products are brand-specific, so prescribe and dispense by brand.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and review for vasodilatory side effects such as ankle swelling.

Counselling the patient

Take the modified-release tablets whole and do not crush or chew them.
Report marked ankle swelling, flushing or persistent headache.

Evidence & guidelines

A guideline-recommended dihydropyridine option for hypertension and angina in UK practice (NICE NG136).

Reference: NICE NG136/NG133/NG25; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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