Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker

Nifedipine (Modified-release)

Brand names: Adalat LA, Adipine MR, Coracten XL

Used in: Pre-eclampsia & Obstetric Emergencies

Modified-release nifedipine is an oral dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used for hypertension and for the prophylaxis of angina.

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.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, producing arterial vasodilatation that lowers peripheral resistance and blood pressure with relatively little effect on cardiac conduction.

Prescribing in practice

  • Prescribe and dispense by brand and do not interchange formulations, because modified-release products are not equivalent and swapping can cause loss of control or excessive effect.
  • Avoid immediate-release nifedipine in acute coronary syndromes, as rapid vasodilatation can cause reflex tachycardia and worsening ischaemia.
  • Common vasodilator effects include ankle oedema, flushing and headache, and grapefruit juice can raise drug levels.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and heart rate and review for peripheral oedema and adequacy of angina control.

Counselling the patient

  • Swallow modified-release tablets whole and avoid grapefruit juice.
  • Ankle swelling, flushing or headache may occur; report troublesome symptoms.

Evidence & guidelines

A long-established antihypertensive and antianginal supported by clinical trials and recommended within NICE hypertension and angina guidance.

Reference: NICE CG127 Hypertension; ESC Hypertension Guidelines 2023; 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.

Calculators
Drugs
Pathways