Nifedipine
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and reduces the heart's workload by preventing calcium from entering smooth muscle and cardiac cells. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina).
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina by relaxing blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08CA05
- RxNorm
- 7417
- Generic
- Nifedipine
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- Procardia, Afeditab CR
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 30-60mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25-0.5mg/kg/day
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- in divided doses
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 30mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose and monitor closely
use lowest effective dose, avoid use close to delivery due to risk of prolonged labor
uterine activity monitoring, fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically required
compatible with breastfeeding per WHO guidelines, monitor infant for hypotension
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness or feeding problems
geriatric
elderly over 65start with lower dose, consider 50% dose reduction
initiate at low dose and titrate slowly, monitor for orthostatic hypotension
regular blood pressure monitoring, renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended for routine use
use only in specific pediatric conditions under specialist supervision
close blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno initial dose adjustment needed but monitor closely
use with caution, blood pressure may be more sensitive to effects
regular renal function monitoring, blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 50% or use extended-release with caution
significant dose reduction required due to reduced metabolism
regular liver function tests, blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Nifedipine
Drug class
ATC classification: C08CA01
Common therapeutic uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Common brand names
US market brand names
Nifedipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart). Extended-release formulations are typically prescribed for blood pressure management, while short-acting forms may be used for episodic angina.
As a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, nifedipine prevents calcium from entering vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiac muscle cells through L-type calcium channels. This causes relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, reduces peripheral vascular resistance, and decreases the heart's oxygen demand, lowering blood pressure and relieving angina symptoms.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase drug levels and side effects. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly. This medication may cause dizziness or flushing; avoid alcohol and rising quickly from sitting/lying positions. Do not stop taking suddenly without medical guidance, as this may worsen chest pain.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy