Adalat XL
Nifedipine ERAdalat XL (nifedipine) uses
Adalat XL is also known as Procardia XL, its generic name is nifedipine. It belongs to a drug class called calcium channel blocker (CCB) with an extended-release formulation. It helps relieve chronic stable angina (chest pain) and treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
How does it work?
When there is a narrowing of blood vessels (veins, arteries, and capillaries), it results in blood pressure levels shooting up (hypertension), increases oxygen demand and cardiac workload (angina), and reduces blood flow in the body.
Calcium ions are responsible for causing the blood vessels and smooth muscles in the heart to contract. Blood pressure and heart workload can be affected by an increase in intracellular calcium. High calcium ion concentrations enhance the contractility of vascular smooth muscle cells and peripheral vascular resistance, which causes hypertension and chest discomfort.
When Procardia (nifedipine) is taken correctly and absorbed into the bloodstream, it works as a calcium ion antagonist (CCB or calcium ion influx inhibitor). It inhibits the calcium ions from entering the cells in the vascular smooth muscles and blood vessels. Suppressing calcium allows blood vessels and smooth muscles to relax.
This mechanism of action makes it easier for the heart to pump blood out to decrease BP, heart rate, and cardiac output. Correspondingly, there is a low demand for oxygen, which can help relieve chest pain.
Reducing blood pressure levels prevent strokes and your risk of heart disease and renal problems if not treated immediately. Subsequently, it lowers your risk of hospitalization and death.
Nifedipine dosage
The dosage, strength, and frequency of Adalat XL (nifedipine) depend on your medical condition, gender, age, and treatment tolerance. This medication is available as an extended-release formulation with several strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg per tablet.
- The recommended starting dose for treating relieving chest pain is 30 mg.
- The suggested starting dose for high blood pressure is 20 mg or 30 mg once a day. Based on your blood pressure or chest pain symptoms, this dosage can be increased after a week or two until the symptoms are relieved or as prescribed by your doctor. The usual maintenance dose is 30 to 60 mg once daily, with a maximum intake of 90 mg daily.
For young individuals, the amount and frequency of your medication must be determined by your doctor. Bear in mind not to adjust your dosage and frequency unless instructed.
What is the best way to use Nifedipine?
Read and understand all prescription instructions and information before beginning the therapy. If there is anything about Adalat XL (nifedipine) that you do not understand, seek guidance and assistance from your primary care physician or pharmacist.
Take this antihypertensive medication orally with or without once a day or as prescribed by your doctor. To avoid jeopardizing the long-acting effect of this drug, swallow the entire tablet without biting, chewing, or crushing it.
Always take this medication regularly to prevent missing a dose; if you miss a pill, take it upon remembering it. If it is already near your next dose, don’t take it and continue taking your medication according to your schedule. Remind yourself by making a note in the calendar or setting up an alarm to ensure that you take your medicine on time.
Remember that lifestyle modification should be incorporated as an adjunct therapy to this medicine to manage high blood pressure. Regular physical activity, eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, smoking cessation, and minimizing stress should be part of your lifestyle modification activities.
Make sure not to discontinue taking this drug even if your blood pressure has dropped unless otherwise instructed by your physician. If no improvement is noted and your condition worsens, consult your primary care physician for other alternatives.
Nifedipine Side Effects
The following are some of the most common side effects of using Adalat XL that may resolve in time:
- Edema (upper and lower extremities)
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Excessive muscle movement or tremors
- Constipation
- Rapid heart rate
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Weakness
- Decreased sexual ability
- Sensitivity to the sun
You’ll need to discontinue taking Adalat XL (nifedipine) and contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these signs and symptoms worsen over time.
Serious side effects are as follows:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Troubled breathing or wheezing
- Chest pain radiating to the jaw
- Severe skin peeling (eyes, mouth)
- Abdominal obstruction (swelling, painful, hard)
- Persistent constipation and vomiting
- Severe dizziness
Remember that this list does not include all of the health implications of this Adalat XL. There are still adverse effects that could develop.
Nifedipine warnings
Before you start using this medication, it is best to let your doctor know if you have had a heart attack, severe heart failure, diabetes, stomach, circulatory, heart, kidney, or liver problems. Doing so will help them decide if this drug is appropriate and safe.
To prevent nifedipine interactions, inform your doctor about your medications, especially if you take rifampicin.
Do not use nifedipine if you have a Kock pouch, moderate to severe liver disease, and gastrointestinal narrowing. Doing so will help you from adding insult to the injury.
Do not use this drug if you have a known allergy to nifedipine. When using this antihypertensive drug, keep an eye out for any allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing. When these signs and symptoms appear, call for medical help immediately.
When having surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking this medication, as this drug is associated with a low heartbeat, a drop in blood pressure, stroke, and death.
Avoid activities that require alertness to prevent accidents because this medication can cause dizziness.
Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, as this may increase your risk of having sudden chest pain or heart attack.
Check your blood pressure and lab tests regularly, and report them to your doctor.
Keep this drug out of the reach of children and store it accordingly at room temperature.
Nifedipine Cost in Canada
The price of medications in Canada is considerably lower because it is controlled and regulated by the Canadian government. Check the top of this page for pricing details; we make sure to deliver our clients high-quality products for a better value.
This online platform makes it simple to purchase this medication or any other medications. We supply both nifedipine (generic name) and Adalat XL the nifedipine brand name.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nifedipine safe to use when pregnant?
Nifedipine is not recommended for pregnant women to avoid harming their child, discuss this treatment with your health care provider.
How long does it take for Nifedipine to work?
Effects of Nifedipine may vary among individuals, depending on how your body responds to the medication. However, the full benefits of this drug work within one to two weeks of continuously taking the medication.
What is the difference between Nifedipine & Procardia?
Nifedipine is the generic version of Procardia XL or Adalat XL. It is used to treat hypertension and chronic stable angina.
What food to avoid while on Nifedipine medication?
It is best to avoid eating or drinking food with grapefruit content because it can increase the amount of nifedipine in your body and cause more side effects.
