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Calcium Channel Blocker (Antihypertensive / Tocolytic)

Nifedipine

Brand names: Adalat, Adalat LA, Adalat Retard

Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used in obstetrics for hypertension in pregnancy and off-label as a tocolytic to suppress preterm labour.

Dosing — not shown for this use

The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.

The licensed dosing — for the medicine's licensed uses, which may differ from this page's — is on Nifedipine.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular and uterine smooth muscle, causing vasodilatation that lowers blood pressure and reducing myometrial contractility.

Prescribing in practice

  • Use modified-release rather than rapid-acting formulations for blood pressure control, as abrupt vasodilatation can cause precipitous hypotension and compromise uteroplacental perfusion.
  • Headache, flushing, ankle oedema and palpitations are common dose-related effects.
  • Caution is needed with concurrent magnesium sulfate because of the potential for additive hypotension and neuromuscular effects.

Monitoring

Monitor maternal blood pressure and heart rate, and observe the fetus, particularly when used for tocolysis or alongside magnesium sulfate.

Counselling the patient

  • Headache and flushing often settle after the first few days.
  • Take the modified-release tablets whole and do not stop suddenly.
  • Report severe dizziness, fainting or palpitations.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE guidance lists nifedipine as an option for hypertension in pregnancy, and trial evidence supports calcium-channel blockade for tocolysis in preterm labour.

Reference: NICE NG133 Hypertension in Pregnancy; RCOG Tocolysis Guideline; 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).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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