Dosage guidance:
Safety: The use of IR sublingual nifedipine is not recommended for any indication due to safety concerns.
Dosage form information: When switching from IR (oral administration) to ER formulations, use same total daily dose.
Anal fissure (off-label use):
Note: Administered topically as a local vasodilator in conjunction with supportive measures. Ointment and gel are not commercially available and must be prepared by a licensed compounding facility (Ref).
Peri-anal: 0.2% to 0.3% ointment or gel: After cleansing, apply around fissure(s) 2 to 4 times daily for 4 weeks (Ref).
Angina:
Chronic stable angina (alternative agent):
Note: A beta-blocker is the preferred initial therapy; if there are ongoing symptoms on beta-blocker therapy, a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (eg, ER nifedipine) may be added; ER nifedipine may also be used as an alternative therapy if there are contraindications or unacceptable adverse effects with beta-blockade (Ref). Use of immediate-release nifedipine (oral or sublingual) is not recommended due to increased adverse effects (hypotension and reflex tachycardia), particularly in absence of a beta-blocker.
Oral: Extended release: Initial: 30 or 60 mg once daily; increase as needed to effective antianginal dose over 1 to 2 weeks. Doses >90 mg/day are rarely needed; maximum: 120 mg/day.
Vasospastic angina:
Note: May be used alone or in combination with nitrates (Ref). Use of immediate-release nifedipine (oral or sublingual) is not recommended due to increased adverse effects (hypotension and reflex tachycardia).
Oral: Extended release: Initial: 30 or 60 mg once daily; increase as needed to effective antianginal dose over 1 to 2 weeks. Doses >90 mg/day are rarely needed; maximum: 120 mg/day.
High-altitude pulmonary edema (adjunctive therapy) (off-label use):
Prevention: Note: May use as an adjunct to gradual ascent in high-risk individuals (eg, history of high-altitude pulmonary edema) (Ref).
Oral: Extended release: 30 mg every 12 hours starting 24 hours prior to ascent; continue for 4 to 5 days after reaching maximal altitude; can extend for up to 7 days in individuals who ascend faster than recommended (Ref).
Treatment: Note: Adjunctive to nonpharmacologic measures (eg, oxygen supplementation, portable hyperbaric chamber, gradual descent) or as monotherapy if nonpharmacologic measures are not possible (Ref).
Oral: Extended release: 30 mg every 12 hours; continue until descent is complete, symptoms resolve, and oxygenation is normal for the altitude (Ref).
Hypertension, chronic:
Note: For patients who warrant combination therapy (BP >20/10 mm Hg above goal or suboptimal response to initial monotherapy), may use in combination with another appropriate agent (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, thiazide diuretic) (Ref). IR nifedipine (oral or sublingual) should not be used for acute BP lowering due to risk of hypotension and ischemic complications. However, may consider extended release for severe asymptomatic hypertension (eg, to lower BP over hours) if there is concern that severe BP elevation will precipitate an acute cardiovascular event, such as in patients with known aortic or intracranial aneurysms (Ref).
Oral: Extended release: Initial: 30 or 60 mg once daily; evaluate response after ~2 to 4 weeks and titrate dose as needed up to 90 mg once daily; if additional blood pressure control is needed, consider combination therapy. Patients with severe asymptomatic hypertension and no signs of acute end organ damage should be evaluated for medication adjustment within 1 week (Ref).
Hypertensive emergency in pregnancy or postpartum (including acute-onset severe hypertension in preeclampsia/eclampsia) (off-label use):
Note: For acute-onset, severe, persistent hypertension (eg, systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥110 mm Hg) (Ref).
Oral: Extended release: Note: Consider for use in less acute settings when slower BP reduction (eg, within 60 minutes versus 5 to 10 minutes) is sufficient (Ref).
Initial: 30 mg; repeat 30 mg after 1 to 2 hours if target BP is not achieved; if systolic or diastolic BP remains above threshold after the second dose, another class of agents should be considered (Ref).
Oral: Immediate release (alternative agent): Note: Generally reserved for use when IV access is not available. Some experts avoid use of immediate-release formulations unless immediate BP lowering is warranted (eg, <30 minutes), as it may be associated with precipitous drops in BP (Ref). Do not puncture capsule or administer sublingually.
Initial: 10 mg once; if systolic or diastolic BP remains above target at 20 minutes, give a second dose of 10 or 20 mg orally depending on initial response. Reassess BP again 20 minutes after the second dose; if not at target, give a third dose of 10 or 20 mg depending on previous response. If target BP is not achieved 20 minutes after the third dose, another class of agents should be considered; maximum cumulative dose: 50 mg/treatment episode or 180 mg/day (Ref).
Pulmonary arterial hypertension, group 1 (off-label use):
Note: Only used for group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with a positive vasoreactivity test and under the care of a pulmonary hypertension specialist (Ref).
Oral: Extended release: Initial: 30 mg once daily; titrate gradually, with close hemodynamic monitoring; reported dose range: 120 to 240 mg/day (Ref)
Raynaud phenomenon (off-label use):
Oral: Extended release: Initial: 30 mg once daily; if needed, may increase dose gradually, usually once every 4 weeks, but not more frequently than once every 7 to 10 days; monitor blood pressure closely with each dose increase; usual effective dose: 30 to 120 mg/day (Ref).
Oral: Immediate release: Note: Only for short-term use in hospitalized patients with severe digital ischemia. Initial: 10 mg 3 times daily; may titrate by 10 mg increments as needed based on response and tolerability, up to 30 mg 3 times daily; transition to an ER formulation for maintenance therapy (Ref).
Tocolysis (off-label use):
Oral: Immediate release: Initial: 20 to 30 mg as a loading dose, followed by 10 to 20 mg every 3 to 8 hours for up to 48 hours; maximum dose: 180 mg/day (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
The renal dosing recommendations are based upon the best available evidence and clinical expertise. Senior Editorial Team: Bruce Mueller, PharmD, FCCP, FASN, FNKF; Jason Roberts, PhD, BPharm (Hons), B App Sc, FSHP, FISAC; Michael Heung, MD, MS.
Altered kidney function: Mild to severe impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary (systemic clearance minimally affected by kidney dysfunction); however, use of lower initial doses and more frequent monitoring is recommended in severe impairment (eg, CrCl <30 mL/minute) as these patients are more sensitive to nifedipine's BP lowering effects (Ref).
Hemodialysis, intermittent (thrice weekly): Not significantly dialyzed (Ref): No supplemental dose or dosage adjustment necessary; however, use of lower initial doses and more frequent monitoring is recommended as these patients are more sensitive to nifedipine's BP lowering effects (Ref).
Peritoneal dialysis: Not significantly dialyzed: No dosage adjustment necessary (Ref); however, use of lower initial doses and more frequent monitoring is recommended as these patients are more sensitive to nifedipine's BP lowering effects (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied); use with caution. Clearance of nifedipine is reduced in cirrhotic patients, which may lead to increased systemic exposure; monitor closely for adverse effects/toxicity and consider dose adjustments.
Note: Avoid immediate-release formulation (Ref).
Refer to adult dosing. In the management of hypertension, consider lower initial doses and titrate to response (Ref).
(For additional information see "Nifedipine: Pediatric drug information")
Hypertension, severe: Limited data available:
Note: Use should be under the supervision of a specialist experienced in the management of pediatric hypertension in the inpatient tertiary setting and used only after other alternatives have been shown to be ineffective. Current pediatric blood pressure guidelines do not recommend nifedipine for the management of acute severe hypertension, as other safe and effective alternatives are available for use in the pediatric population (eg, hydralazine, isradipine) (Ref). If treatment with nifedipine is deemed appropriate and necessary, then administration should occur in the inpatient setting where blood pressure and other hemodynamic parameters can be closely monitored.
Children and Adolescents: Immediate release: Oral: 0.04 to 0.25 mg/kg/dose; maximum single dose: 10 mg/dose; may repeat if needed every 4 to 6 hours; monitor carefully; maximum daily dose: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day (Ref).
Hypertension, chronic: Limited data available: Children and Adolescents (able to swallow whole tablet): Extended release: Oral: Initial: 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg/day once daily or divided in 2 doses every 12 hours; do not exceed initial adult daily dose of 30 to 60 mg/day; titrate dose to effect; maximum daily dose: 3 mg/kg/day up to 120 mg/day (Ref); some centers use a higher maximum dose: 3 mg/kg/day up to 180 mg/day (Ref). Note: In adults, doses are usually titrated upward over 7 to 14 days; may increase over 3 days if clinically necessary (Ref).
High altitude pulmonary edema, treatment: Limited data available: Note: Reserve treatment with NIFEdipine for unsatisfactory response to oxygen and/or altitude descent:
Children and Adolescents:
Immediate release: Oral: 0.5 mg/kg/dose every 8 hours; maximum dose: 20 mg/dose (Ref).
Extended release (preferred if weight allows): Oral: 1.5 mg/kg/day once daily or divided in 2 doses per day; do not exceed adult dose of 30 mg every 12 hours. Note: Smallest extended-release dosage form available is 30 mg (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied); the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine are not significantly influenced by the degree of renal impairment (only trace amounts of unchanged drug are found in urine). Based on experience in adult dialysis patients, supplemental doses are not necessary with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; however, more frequent monitoring may be necessary.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied); use with caution. Clearance of nifedipine is reduced in cirrhotic adult patients, which may lead to increased systemic exposure; monitor closely for adverse effects/toxicity and consider dose adjustments.
Exacerbation of angina pectoris and/or acute myocardial infarction (MI) have occurred with initiation or dosage titration of immediate release (IR) (orally or sublingually) nifedipine. Hypotension and reflex tachycardia may occur resulting in angina and/or MI in patients with coronary heart disease, especially in the absence of concurrent beta-blockade. Use of IR nifedipine has been associated with increased mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. In patients with unstable angina/non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the use of IR nifedipine is not recommended in the absence of a beta-blocker and is contraindicated in patients with STEMI. Effects may be reversible upon discontinuation (Ref).
Mechanism: Dose-related; related to the pharmacologic action. Hypotension due to calcium channel blocking properties may cause a reflex increase in sympathetic activity, leading to ischemic effects. In addition, the IR nature of nifedipine may cause more marked fluctuations in hemodynamics compared to extended release (ER) formulations (Ref).
Onset: Varied; increase in mortality observed after 2 weeks (Muller 1984). However, hemodynamic effects (ie, decrease in blood pressure, increase in heart rate, ECG changes) observed as quickly as after 1 dose (Ref).
Risk factors:
• Acute MI (Ref)
• Coronary heart disease (Ref)
• Refractory angina (Ref)
Symptomatic hypotension with or without syncope may occur when using the immediate release (IR) formulation. The use of IR nifedipine (sublingually or orally) in hypertensive emergencies and urgencies is neither safe or effective and is associated with increased risk of adverse events such as acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular ischemia, fetal distress, and death when used to treat hypertension (Ref). IR nifedipine may be warranted for acute treatment in pregnant or postpartum women based on guidelines (Ref). Although hypotension should be reversible upon discontinuation, effects may be initially severe and resistant to treatment (Ref).
Mechanism: Dose-related; related to the pharmacologic action. Inhibits calcium channels in peripheral smooth muscle leading to vasodilation. IR nifedipine, compared to extended release (ER) nifedipine has a much faster rate of increase in plasma levels, leading to more adverse reactions (Ref).
Onset: Rapid; hemodynamic effects (ie, decrease in blood pressure, increase in heart rate) observed as quickly as after one dose (Ref).
Risk factors:
• Older patients (age 60 to 83 years) (Ref)
Peripheral edema is a common adverse reaction of calcium channel blockers, characterized by ankle and leg swelling independent of fluid retention (Ref). It is a bothersome adverse reaction for patients and may lead to discontinuation (Ref). Peripheral edema can be expected to subside within several days following intervention.
Mechanism: Dose- and time-related; related to the pharmacologic action. Calcium channel blocker-mediated peripheral edema is caused by arteriolar vasodilation that subsequently leads to increased hydrostatic pressure in the precapillary circulation and fluid movement from the capillary vasculature to the interstitial space (Ref). In addition, impaired postural vasoconstriction may contribute (Ref).
Onset: Varied; has been reported between 4 weeks to >6 months after initiation (Ref).
Risk factors:
• Dose-related (ie, higher doses) (Ref); however, may develop more frequently and at lower doses in patients with impaired postural autoregulation (eg, diabetes, arterial disease) (Ref).
• Duration-related (>6 months) (Ref)
• Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DHPs) versus non-DHPs (Ref)
• Lipophilic DHPs (Ref)
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Incidence may include data with concomitant beta-blocker therapy. ER = extended release; IR = immediate release.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Flushing (IR: 25%; ER: <3%), peripheral edema (4% to 30%) (table 1)
Drug (Nifedipine) |
Placebo |
Dose |
Dosage Form |
Number of Patients (Nifedipine) |
Number of Patients (Placebo) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
30% |
N/A |
180 mg per day |
ER tablets |
N/A |
N/A |
10% |
N/A |
N/A |
ER tablets |
N/A |
N/A |
13% |
N/A |
120 mg per day or more |
IR capsules |
N/A |
N/A |
7% |
1% |
N/A |
IR capsules |
226 |
235 |
4% |
N/A |
less than 60 mg per day |
IR capsules |
N/A |
N/A |
Gastrointestinal: Heartburn (IR: ≤11%), nausea (IR: ≤11%; ER: 3%)
Nervous system: Dizziness (IR: 27%), headache (16% to 23%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Asthenia (IR: 12%; ER: <3%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction (4%), cardiac failure (2%), palpitations (≤7%), transient hypotension (5%)
Dermatologic: Dermatitis (IR), diaphoresis, pruritus, skin rash (ER), urticaria
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps (IR), abdominal pain (ER), constipation (≤3%), diarrhea, dyspepsia (ER), flatulence, xerostomia (ER)
Genitourinary: Impotence (ER), sexual difficulty (IR)
Nervous system: Balance impairment (IR), chills (IR), drowsiness (ER), fatigue (ER: 6%), insomnia (ER), jitteriness (IR), mood changes (IR: ≤7%), nervousness (≤7%), pain (ER), paresthesia (ER), shakiness (IR), sleep disturbance (IR)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia (ER), joint stiffness (IR), lower limb cramp (ER), muscle cramps (IR: ≤8%), tremor (IR: ≤8%; ER: <1%)
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (IR)
Renal: Polyuria (ER: <3%; IR: <1%)
Respiratory: Chest congestion (IR), cough (IR: ≤6%; ER: <1%), dyspnea, nasal congestion (IR), pleuritic chest pain (ER), pulmonary edema (2%), wheezing (IR: ≤6%)
Miscellaneous: Fever, inflammation (IR)
<1%:
Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac conduction disorder, erythromelalgia, exacerbation of angina pectoris, facial edema, hypotension (may be severe hypotension), syncope, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia
Dermatologic: Alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis
Endocrine & metabolic: Decreased libido, gout, gynecomastia, hot flash, weight gain
Gastrointestinal: Dysgeusia, eructation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal irritation, gingival hyperplasia, melena, vomiting
Genitourinary: Dysuria, hematuria, mastalgia, nocturia
Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia, leukopenia, purpuric disease, thrombocytopenia
Hepatic: Hepatitis (allergic)
Hypersensitivity: Angioedema
Nervous system: Anxiety, ataxia, depression, hypertonia, hypoesthesia, malaise, migraine, nightmares, paranoid ideation, rigors, vertigo
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthritis (with positive ANA), back pain, myalgia
Ophthalmic: Abnormal lacrimation, periorbital edema, transient blindness (at peak of plasma level; can be unilateral), visual disturbance
Otic: Tinnitus
Respiratory: Epistaxis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection
Frequency not defined:
Endocrine & metabolic: Increased lactate dehydrogenase
Gastrointestinal: Cholecystitis
Hepatic: Increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (Roujeau 1991, Tripathy 2009), bullous skin disease (Morimoto 2021), erythema multiforme (Bewley 1993), psoriasis (Song 2021), skin photosensitivity (Seggev 1996; Thomas 1986; Zenarola 1991), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (Stern 1989), toxic epidermal necrolysis
Gastrointestinal: Bezoar formation, gastrointestinal obstruction (Juurlink 2014), gastrointestinal ulcer (Lavy 1999)
Hematologic & oncologic: Malignant neoplasm of lip (Friedman 2012), positive direct Coombs test
Hypersensitivity to nifedipine or any component of the formulation.
Note: Considered contraindicated in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (ACCF/AHA [O'Gara 2013]); avoid use (Elkayam 1990; FDA 2015).
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Hypersensitivity to other dihydropyridine calcium antagonists; severe hypotension; cardiovascular shock; concomitant use with rifampicin; breast-feeding; pregnancy or women of childbearing potential. Note: SOGC guidelines recommend nifedipine as a preferred agent for maternal hypertension (SOGC [Magee 2022]). Extended release only: Kock pouch (ileostomy after proctocolectomy); moderate or severe hepatic impairment; severe gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Immediate release only: Acute myocardial infarction.
Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Hypotension/syncope: IR nifedipine should not be used for acute BP reduction.
Disease-related concerns:
• Aortic stenosis: Use with extreme caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis; may reduce coronary perfusion resulting in myocardial ischemia.
• GI strictures: Alterations in GI anatomy (eg, severe GI narrowing, history of GI cancer, obstruction, bowel resection, gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty) and underlying hypomotility disorders have led to bezoar formation with extended release forms.
• Heart failure: The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association heart failure guidelines recommend to avoid use in patients with heart failure due to lack of benefit and/or worse outcomes with calcium channel blockers in general (FDA 2015).
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Clearance of nifedipine is reduced in cirrhotic patients leading to increased systemic exposure; monitor closely for adverse effects/toxicity and consider dose adjustments.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with outflow tract obstruction: Use with caution in patients with HCM and outflow tract obstruction since reduction in afterload may worsen symptoms associated with this condition.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Extended release formulation: Consists of drug within a nondeformable matrix; following drug release/absorption, the matrix/shell is expelled in the stool. The use of nondeformable products in patients with known stricture/narrowing of the GI tract (eg, severe gastrointestinal narrowing, colon cancer, obstruction, bowel resection, gastric bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty) has been associated with symptoms of obstruction (pharmacobezoar).
• Immediate release formulation: Immediate release formulations should not be used to manage primary hypertension, adequate studies to evaluate outcomes have not been conducted.
• Lactose: Adalat CC tablets contain lactose; do not use with galactose intolerance, congenital lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndromes.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Surgery: Use with caution before major surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass, intraoperative blood loss or vasodilating anesthesia may result in severe hypotension and/or increased fluid requirements. Consider withdrawing nifedipine (>36 hours) before surgery if possible.
• Withdrawal: Abrupt withdrawal may cause rebound angina in patients with coronary artery disease.
The "bite and swallow" method of administering immediate-release nifedipine is not recommended; variability of dose supplied via this method may lead to an overdose and result in significant side effects (eg, hypotension) in pediatric patients (Flynn 2003). An extemporaneous solution should be compounded to provide the most accurate dosing (see "Extemporaneous Preparations").
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule, Oral:
Procardia: 10 mg [DSC]
Generic: 10 mg, 20 mg
Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral:
Procardia XL: 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg
Generic: 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg
Yes
Capsules (NIFEdipine Oral)
10 mg (per each): $0.46 - $1.29
20 mg (per each): $0.99 - $2.30
Tablet, 24-hour (NIFEdipine ER Oral)
30 mg (per each): $0.41 - $1.39
60 mg (per each): $0.54 - $2.48
90 mg (per each): $0.67 - $3.03
Tablet, 24-hour (NIFEdipine ER Osmotic Release Oral)
30 mg (per each): $1.10 - $1.39
60 mg (per each): $1.83 - $3.50
90 mg (per each): $2.31 - $2.91
Tablet, 24-hour (Procardia XL Oral)
30 mg (per each): $7.93
60 mg (per each): $13.72
90 mg (per each): $15.83
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Capsule, Oral:
Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg
Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral:
Adalat XL: 20 mg [DSC], 30 mg, 60 mg [DSC]
Generic: 30 mg, 60 mg
Oral:
Immediate release: In general, may be administered with or without food.
Extended release: Tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush, split, or chew.
Adalat CC, Afeditab CR: Administer on an empty stomach (per manufacturer). Other extended release products may not have this recommendation; consult product labeling.
Bariatric surgery: Some institutions may have specific protocols that conflict with these recommendations; refer to institutional protocols as appropriate. IR capsule formulation is available. If safety and efficacy of nifedipine can be effectively monitored, no change in formulation or administration is required after bariatric surgery; however, selection of IR formulation or alternative therapy is advised for cardiovascular and other high-risk labeled and off-label indications.
Oral:
Immediate release: In general, administer with or without food. If using extemporaneously compounded oral suspension, use calibrated device to accurately measure dose.
Extended release: Tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush, break, chew, or divide.
Angina: Management of chronic stable or vasospastic angina.
Hypertension, chronic: Management of hypertension (ER products only).
Anal fissure; High-altitude pulmonary edema; Hypertensive emergency in pregnancy or postpartum (including acute-onset severe hypertension in preeclampsia/eclampsia); Pulmonary arterial hypertension, group 1; Raynaud phenomenon; Tocolysis
NIFEdipine may be confused with niCARdipine, niMODipine, nisoldipine
Procardia XL may be confused with Cartia XT
Beers Criteria: Nifedipine (immediate release) is identified as a potentially inappropriate medication to be avoided in patients 65 years and older (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to its potential to cause hypotension and risk for precipitating myocardial ischemia (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).
Nifedipine is identified in the Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication in older adults (≥65 years of age) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (O’Mahony 2023).
Depin [India] may be confused with Depen brand name for penicillamine [US]; Depon brand name for acetaminophen [Greece]; Dipen brand name for diltiazem [Greece]
Nipin [Italy and Singapore] may be confused with Nipent brand name for pentostatin [US, Canada, and multiple international markets]
Substrate of CYP2D6 (minor), CYP3A4 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Alcohol (Ethyl): May increase the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alfuzosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amphetamines: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Arginine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Atosiban: Calcium Channel Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Atosiban. Specifically, there may be an increased risk for pulmonary edema and/or dyspnea. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Barbiturates: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Benperidol: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Beta-Blockers: NIFEdipine may enhance the hypotensive effect of Beta-Blockers. NIFEdipine may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Beta-Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brigatinib: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may enhance the bradycardic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May diminish the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid combination
Calcium Salts: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cimetidine: May increase the serum concentration of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cladribine: Inhibitors of Equilibrative Nucleoside (ENT1) and Concentrative Nucleoside (CNT3) Transport Proteins may increase the serum concentration of Cladribine. Management: Avoid concomitant use of ENT1 or CNT3 inhibitors during the 4 to 5 day oral cladribine treatment cycles whenever possible. If combined, consider an ENT1 or CNT3 inhibitor dose reduction and separation in the timing of administration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Clofazimine: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Clopidogrel: Calcium Channel Blockers may diminish the therapeutic effect of Clopidogrel. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CycloSPORINE (Systemic): Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine) may increase the serum concentration of CycloSPORINE (Systemic). CycloSPORINE (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine). Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Management: Avoid coadministration of nifedipine with strong CYP3A4 inducers when possible and if combined, monitor patients closely for clinical signs of diminished nifedipine response. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, initiate nifedipine at the lowest dose available and monitor patients closely for increased nifedipine effects and toxicities (eg, hypotension, edema). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Dantrolene: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Dantrolene may enhance the negative inotropic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk X: Avoid combination
Dapoxetine: May enhance the orthostatic hypotensive effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dexmethylphenidate: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Digoxin: NIFEdipine may increase the serum concentration of Digoxin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fexinidazole: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunarizine: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
FLUoxetine: May increase the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor patients closely for increased adverse effects of the CYP3A4 substrate. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Grapefruit Juice: May increase the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Iloperidone: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Indoramin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Inhalational Anesthetics: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Isocarboxazid: May enhance the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Loop Diuretics: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lormetazepam: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine). Specifically, the risk of hypotension or muscle weakness may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Melatonin: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methylphenidate: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Molsidomine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Naftopidil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Neuromuscular-Blocking Agents (Nondepolarizing): Calcium Channel Blockers may enhance the neuromuscular-blocking effect of Neuromuscular-Blocking Agents (Nondepolarizing). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicergoline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nicorandil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Obinutuzumab: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Quinagolide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
QuiNIDine: NIFEdipine may decrease the serum concentration of QuiNIDine. NIFEdipine may increase the serum concentration of QuiNIDine. QuiNIDine may increase the serum concentration of NIFEdipine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Silodosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sincalide: Drugs that Affect Gallbladder Function may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sincalide. Management: Consider discontinuing drugs that may affect gallbladder motility prior to the use of sincalide to stimulate gallbladder contraction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Tacrolimus (Systemic): Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine) may increase the serum concentration of Tacrolimus (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
VinCRIStine: NIFEdipine may increase the serum concentration of VinCRIStine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
VinCRIStine (Liposomal): NIFEdipine may increase the serum concentration of VinCRIStine (Liposomal). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nifedipine serum levels may be decreased if taken with food. Food may decrease the rate but not the extent of absorption of Procardia XL. Increased nifedipine concentrations resulting in therapeutic and vasodilator side effects, including severe hypotension and myocardial ischemia, may occur if nifedipine is taken by patients ingesting grapefruit. Management: Avoid grapefruit/grapefruit juice.
Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be continued in patients trying to conceive. Nifedipine is one of the medications patients can transition to if currently taking an agent that is ineffective or should be avoided during pregnancy (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]. ACOG 2019, NICE 2019).
Nifedipine crosses the placenta (Mulrenin 2021; van de Vusse 2022).
An increase in perinatal asphyxia, cesarean delivery, prematurity, and intrauterine growth restriction have been reported following maternal use (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]).
Chronic maternal hypertension is also associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019a).
Due to pregnancy-induced physiologic changes, some pharmacokinetic properties of nifedipine may be altered. Close monitoring is recommended (Mulrenin 2021; van de Vusse 2022).
Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). When treatment for chronic hypertension is initiated during pregnancy, long-acting oral nifedipine is one of the preferred agents; avoid in patients with tachycardia (ACOG 2019a; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]; SOGC [Magee 2022]). IR oral nifedipine is recommended for the management of acute-onset, severe hypertension in pregnant and postpartum patients, including those with preeclampsia or eclampsia (ACOG 2020; ESC [Cífková 2020]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]; SOGC [Magee 2022]).
IR oral nifedipine has also been evaluated for the treatment of preterm labor. Tocolytics may be used for the short-term (48-hour) prolongation of pregnancy to allow for the administration of antenatal steroids and should not be used prior to fetal viability or when the risks of use to the fetus or mother are greater than the risk of preterm birth (ACOG 2016). Nifedipine is ineffective for maintenance tocolytic therapy (ACOG 2016; Aggarwal 2018; Roos 2013; Verspyck 2017).
Nifedipine is present in breast milk.
Multiple reports summarize data related to the presence of nifedipine in breast milk:
• Breast milk was sampled in a patient following a full-term delivery who received nifedipine 10 mg/day prior to the study. Nifedipine 20 mg was administered on the day of the study at 10 days postpartum. Nifedipine and the pyridine metabolite were present in breast milk. Peak concentrations occurred ~1 hour following the maternal dose (Penny 1989).
• Following delivery at 26 weeks gestation, breast milk was sampled in a patient who received nifedipine 30 mg every 8 hours for 48 hours, followed by nifedipine 20 mg every 8 hours for 48 hours, then 10 mg every 8 hours for 36 hours. The highest breast milk concentration (53.35 ng/mL) occurred within 1 hour of the 30 mg dose. The highest breast milk concentrations following the 20 mg and 10 mg doses were 16.35 ng/mL and 12.89 ng/mL, respectively. Nifedipine was measurable in breast milk 8 hours following the 20 mg and 30 mg doses, but not the 10 mg dose. The reported half-life of nifedipine in breast milk was ~3 hours (Ehrenkranz 1989).
• Using a milk concentration of 53.35 ng/mL, the estimated daily infant dose of nifedipine via breast milk is 8 mcg/kg/day providing a relative infant dose (RID) of 0.27% to 3.2% compared to an infant therapeutic dose of 0.25 to 3 mg/kg/day.
• In general, breastfeeding is considered acceptable when the RID is <10% (Anderson 2016; Ito 2000).
• In addition to maternal dose, breast milk concentrations may be influenced by maternal ABCG2 genotype. Nifedipine is a substrate to ABCG2 transporter which is expressed on lactating breasts. Patients genotyped as wild-type homozygous 421CC (n=13) had lower breast milk concentrations of nifedipine than patients genotyped as 421CA heterozygous (n=6) following a maternal dose of slow-release nifedipine 20 mg administered 15 to 30 days postpartum (Malfará 2019).
The use of nifedipine in breastfeeding patients for the treatment of Raynaud phenomenon has been described in case reports and case series; no adverse events were noted in the infants exposed to nifedipine via breast milk (Anderson 2004; Barrett 2013; Garrison 2002; Jansen 2019; Page 2006; Wu 2012).
Nifedipine is considered compatible with breastfeeding (ESC [Cífková 2020]; SOGC [Magee 2022]; WHO 2002), although data following long-term use is limited (WHO 2002). According to the manufacturer, the decision to continue or discontinue breastfeeding during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and benefits of treatment to the mother.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends the use of nifedipine for the treatment of Raynaud phenomenon of the nipple in breastfeeding mothers (ABM [Berens 2016]).
Avoid grapefruit juice with all products.
Immediate release: Capsule is rapidly absorbed orally if it is administered without food, but may result in vasodilator side effects; if flushing is problematic, administration with low-fat meals may decrease. In general, can take with or without food.
Heart rate; blood pressure; peripheral edema.
Inhibits calcium ion from entering the “slow channels” or select voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscle and myocardium during depolarization, producing a relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle and coronary vasodilation; increases myocardial oxygen delivery in patients with vasospastic angina; also reduces peripheral vascular resistance, producing a reduction in arterial blood pressure.
Onset of action: Immediate release: ~20 minutes
Protein binding (concentration dependent): 92% to 98%; Note: Protein-binding may be significantly decreased in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites
Bioavailability: Capsule: 40% to 77%; ER: 65% to 89% relative to immediate release capsules; bioavailability increased with significant hepatic disease
Half-life elimination: Adults: Healthy: 2 to 5 hours; Cirrhosis: 7 hours; Elderly: 7 hours (extended release tablet)
Excretion: Urine (60% to 80% as inactive metabolites); feces
Older adult: Mean Cmax is 36% higher and plasma concentration is 70% greater in elderly patients.
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