What is Nifedipine?
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, and other cardiac conditions. It belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which work by blocking the flow of calcium in and out of heart, muscle, and blood vessel cells and therefore relaxing blood vessels to reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow throughout the body.
Nifedipine may also be used to treat inflammation and swelling caused by ischemic heart disease and Raynaud’s disease. It is also sometimes prescribed to women in late pregnancy who have high blood pressure or to prevent preterm labor. Nifedipine has a number of off-label uses, including the treatment of cluster headaches, migraines, and menstrual cramps.
How Does Nifedipine Work?
Nifedipine works by blocking calcium channels in the membrane of cells that line the walls of most blood vessels. By blocking calcium channels, nifedipine relaxes the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure. Nifedipine also helps widen (dilate) the arteries, which allows blood to flow more freely.
In the case of angina, nifedipine works by preventing the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, which helps reduce chest pain. In addition, nifedipine can also be used to prevent the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease, an inflammatory condition of the arteries in the extremities such as the fingers, hands and feet.
How to Take Nifedipine?
Nifedipine is available in both extended-release (XL) and immediate-release (IR) forms, taken as one capsule or tablet by mouth. The extended-release form is usually taken once a day, with or without food. The immediate-release form of nifedipine can be taken two to four times a day, with or without food. Nifedipine should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking nifedipine without first speaking to your doctor, as this can cause an increase in blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.
It is important to take nifedipine around the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking nifedipine as it can increase the risk of side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of Nifedipine?
Common side effects of nifedipine include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue. Other side effects may include thirst, an irregular heartbeat, flushing, hair loss, and a change in taste.
Serious side effects of nifedipine include an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, rash, hives, fainting, and seizures. If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
In some cases, nifedipine may cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
How to Buy Nifedipine Without Prescription?
Nifedipine is a prescription medication, which means it must be prescribed by a doctor. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking nifedipine, and to make sure you are taking the correct dose.
You cannot buy nifedipine without a prescription, as it is a controlled substance. There are some online pharmacies that may offer nifedipine without a prescription. However, these are often illegal and can be dangerous to your health. It is also important to make sure that any online pharmacy that you use is a legitimate and reputable one.
Conclusion
Nifedipine is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina, ischemic heart disease, Raynaud’s disease, and a number of other conditions. It works by blocking calcium channels in cells that line the walls of most blood vessels and is available in extended-release and immediate-release forms. Common side effects of nifedipine include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue. Serious side effects may include an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, rash, hives, fainting, and seizures. Nifedipine must be prescribed by a doctor and cannot be bought without a prescription.