Nifedipine interactions

Food & lifestyle

• alcohol

  Moderate

  Synergy

  Many psychotherapeutic and CNS-active agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, alcohol, muscle relaxants) exhibit hypotensive effects, especially during initiation of therapy and dose escalation. Coadministration with antihypertensives and other hypotensive agents, in particular vasodilators and alpha-blockers, may result in additive effects on blood pressure and orthostasis.

  What to do: Caution and close monitoring for development of hypotension is advised during coadministration of these agents. Some authorities recommend avoiding alcohol in patients receiving vasodilating antihypertensive drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia.

  8 sources

  1. Sternbach H "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol 11 (1991): 390-1
  2. Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med 101 (1984): 498-9
  3. Feder R "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry 52 (1991): 139
  4. Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry 51 (1990): 385-6
  5. Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit 23 (2001): 435-40
  6. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  7. Pacher P, Kecskemeti V "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des 10 (2004): 2463-75
  8. Andrews C, Pinner G "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ 316 (1998): 595

• grapefruit juice

  Moderate

  Metabolism

  The consumption of grapefruit juice may be associated with significantly increased plasma concentrations of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) when they are administered orally. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruit. The interaction has been reported with the dihydropyridine CCBs (in roughly decreasing order of magnitude) felodipine, nisoldipine, nifedipine, and nimodipine, often with a high degree of interindividual variability. Grapefruit juice caused more than twofold increases in felodipine, nifedipine, and nisoldipine AUCs.

  What to do: The manufacturers of nifedipine and nisoldipine recommend avoiding grapefruit juice. Patients treated orally with other calcium channel blockers should be advised to avoid consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice to prevent any undue fluctuations in serum drug levels. Increased effects on blood pressure may persist for up to 4 days after the consumption of grapefruit juice. Monitoring for calcium channel blocker adverse effects (e.g., headache, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, edema) is recommended.

  19 sources

  1. Edgar B, Bailey D, Bergstrand R, Johnsson G, Regardh CG "Acute effects of drinking grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of felodipine--and its potential clinical relevance." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 42 (1992): 313-7
  2. "Product Information. Plendil (felodipine)." Merck & Co., Inc (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  4. Bailey DG, Arnold JM, Munoz C, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice--felodipine interaction: mechanism, predictability, and effect of naringin." Clin Pharmacol Ther 53 (1993): 637-42
  5. Bailey DG, Arnold JMO, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice and drugs - how significant is the interaction." Clin Pharmacokinet 26 (1994): 91-8
  6. Bailey DG, Arnold JM, Strong HA, Munoz C, Spence JD "Effect of grapefruit juice and naringin on nisoldipine pharmacokinetics." Clin Pharmacol Ther 54 (1993): 589-94
  7. Yamreudeewong W, Henann NE, Fazio A, Lower DL, Cassidy TG "Drug-food interactions in clinical practice." J Fam Pract 40 (1995): 376-84
  8. "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther 37 (1995): 73-4

  Show all 19 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. "Product Information. Sular (nisoldipine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  10. Josefsson M, Zackrisson AL, Ahlner J "Effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 51 (1996): 189-93
  11. Bailey DG, Malcolm J, Arnold O, Spence JD "Grapefruit juice-drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol 46 (1998): 101-10
  12. Bailey DG, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit juice felodipine interaction: Effect of naringin and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 64 (1998): 248-56
  13. Fuhr U, Maier-Bruggemann A, Blume H, et al. "Grapefruit juice increases oral nimodipine bioavailability." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 36 (1998): 126-32
  14. Gunston GD, Mehta U "Potentially serious drug interactions with grapefruit juice." S Afr Med J 90 (2000): 41
  15. Takanaga H, Ohnishi A, Maatsuo H, et al. "Pharmacokinetic analysis of felodipine-grapefruit juice interaction based on an irreversible enzyme inhibition model." Br J Clin Pharmacol 49 (2000): 49-58
  16. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther 68 (2000): 468-77
  17. Ho PC, Ghose K, Saville D, Wanwimolruk S "Effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of verapamil enantiomers in healthy volunteers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 56 (2000): 693-8
  18. Fuhr U, Muller-Peltzer H, Kern R, et al. "Effects of grapefruit juice and smoking on verapamil concentrations in steady state." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 58 (2002): 45-53
  19. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

Conditions

Conditions in which Nifedipine needs care, as documented in this source.

• Aortic Valve Stenosis

  Major

  The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. CCBs whose pharmacologic effect is partially dependent on their ability to reduce afterload (e.g., diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil) may be of less benefit in these patients due to a fixed impedance to flow across the aortic valve and may, in fact, worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance. Rarely, heart failure has developed following the initiation of these CCBs, particularly in patients receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy.

  3 sources

  1. "Product Information. Cardene (nicardipine)." Syntex Laboratories Inc (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Adalat (nifedipine)." Bayer (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):

• Coronary Artery Disease

  Major

  Increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, have rarely developed during initiation or dosage increase of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease and those treated with immediate-release formulations. The mechanism of this effect is not established. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

  15 sources

  1. Schanzenbacher P, Deeg P, Liebau G, Kochsiek K "Paradoxical angina after nifedipine: angiographic documentation." Am J Cardiol 53 (1984): 345-6
  2. Manga P, Vythilingum "Unstable angina precipitated by nifedipine." S Afr Med J 66 (1984): 144
  3. Sia STB, MacDonald PS, Triester B, et al. "Aggravation of myocardial ischaemia by nifedipine." Med J Aust 142 (1985): 48-50
  4. Myrhed M, Wiholm B-E "Nifedipine: a survey of adverse effects." Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 58 (1986): 133-6
  5. Lambert CR, Hill JA, Feldman RL, Pepine CJ "Myocardial ischemia during intravenous nicardipine administration." Am J Cardiol 55 (1985): 844-5
  6. Thomassen AR, Bagger JP, Nielsen TT "Hemodynamic and cardiac metabolic changes during nicardipine-induced myocardial ischemia." Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn 14 (1988): 41-3
  7. "Product Information. Norvasc (amlodipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  8. "Product Information. Cardene (nicardipine)." Syntex Laboratories Inc (2002):

  Show all 15 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  10. Furberg CD, Psaty BM, Meyer JV "Nifedipine: dose-related increase in mortality in patients with coronary heart disease." Circulation 92 (1995): 1326-31
  11. Kloner RA "Nifedipine in ischemic heart disease." Circulation 92 (1995): 1074-8
  12. Yusuf S "Calcium antagonists in coronary artery disease and hypertension: time for reevaluation?" Circulation 92 (1995): 1079-82
  13. "Product Information. Sular (nisoldipine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  14. Oei SG, Oei SK, Brolmann HAM "Myocardial infarction during nifedipine therapy for preterm labor." N Engl J Med 340 (1999): 154
  15. Abernathy DR, Schwrtz JB "Calcium-antagonist drugs." N Engl J Med 341 (1999): 1447-57

• Hypertension

  Major

  For the long-term treatment of hypertension, only the extended-release formulations of nifedipine should be used. The US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the FDA Cardiovascular and Renal Drug Advisory Committee have issued warnings against the use of immediate-release nifedipine for this purpose based on review of three epidemiologic studies of patients with hypertension and unstable angina who were treated with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and at least two meta-analyses of randomized, controlled trials that included patients receiving CCBs. Two of the case-control studies found an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients taking immediate-release nifedipine, although the third did not. The use of immediate-release nifedipine (orally or sublingually) is also contraindicated for acute reduction of blood pressure. Profound hypotension, acute myocardial infarction, and deaths have been reported when nifedipine was used in this manner.

  20 sources

  1. Aromatorio GJ, Uretsky BF, Reddy PS "Hypotension and sinus arrest with nifedipine in pulmonary hypertension." Chest 87 (1985): 265-7
  2. Zangerle KF, Wolford R "Syncope and conduction disturbances following sublingual nifedipine for hypertension." Ann Emerg Med 14 (1985): 1005-6
  3. Schwartz M, Naschitz JE, Yeshurun D, et al. "Oral nifedipine in the treatment of hypertensive urgency: cerebrovascular accident following a single dose." Arch Intern Med 150 (1990): 686-7
  4. Woodmansey P, Channer KS "Nifedipine and hypotension." Lancet 338 (1991): 763-4
  5. Wachter RM "Symptomatic hypotension induced by nifedipine in the acute treatment of severe hypertension." Arch Intern Med 147 (1987): 556-8
  6. "Product Information. Adalat (nifedipine)." Bayer (2002):
  7. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  8. American Health Consultants "Do calcium-channel blockers increase the risk of myocardial infarctions?" Internal Medicine Alert 17 (1995): 49-50

  Show all 20 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. Carpi J "Calcium channel blocker debate refuses to die." Internal Medicine News June 15 (1995): 1(col4),2(col3)
  10. Psaty BM, Heckbert SR, Koepsell TD, et al. "The risk of myocardial infarction associated with antihypertensive drug therapies." JAMA 274 (1995): 620-5
  11. Buring JE, Glynn RJ, Hennekens CH "Calcium channel blockers and myocardial infarction: a hypothesis formulated but not yet tested." JAMA 274 (1995): 654-5
  12. Marwick C "FDA gives calcium channel blockers clean bill of health but warns of short-acting nifedipine hazards." JAMA 275 (1996): 423-4
  13. Miller JL "FDA committee recommends stronger warning against inappropriate use of immediate-release nifedipine: no changes for other calcium-channel blockers." Am J Health Syst Pharm 53 (1996): 599-600
  14. Jick H, Derby LE, Gurewich V, Vasilakis C "The risk of myocardial infarction associated with antihypertensive drug treatment in persons with uncomplicated essential hypertension." Pharmacotherapy 16 (1996): 321-6
  15. Miller JL "FDA committee recommends stronger warnings against inappropriate use of immediate-release nifedipine." Am J Health Syst Pharm 53 (1996): 599-600
  16. Grossman E, Messerli FH, Grodzicki T, Kowey P "Should a moratorium be placed on sublingual nifedipine capsules given for hypertensive emergencies and pseudoemergencies?" JAMA 276 (1996): 1328-31
  17. Bloomfield RL, Carter J "Hypertensive urgencies: how to give a low dose of short-acting nifedipine." Geriatrics 51 (1996): 10
  18. Bradbury J "Sublingual short-acting nifedipine causes serious side-effects." Lancet 348 (1996): 1159
  19. Kloner RA "The issue of the cardiovascular safety of dihydropyridines." Am J Hypertens 9 (1996): s182-6
  20. Peters FP, de Zwaan C, Kho L "Prolonged QT interval and ventricular fibrillation after treatment with sublingual nifedipine for malignant hypertension" Arch Intern Med 157 (1997): 2665-6

• Liver Diseases

  Major

  Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

  54 sources

  1. Echizen H, Eichelbaum M "Clinical pharmacokinetics of verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem." Clin Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 425-49
  2. Saracheck NS, London RL, Matulewicz TJ, et al. "Diltiazem and granulomatous hepatitis." Gastroenterology 88 (1985): 1260-2
  3. Shallcross H, Padley SP, Glynn MJ, Gibbs DD "Fatal renal and hepatic toxicity after treatment with diltiazem." Br Med J 295 (1987): 1256-7
  4. Colombo G, Zucchella G, Planca E, Grieco A "Intravenous diltiazem in the treatment of unstable angina: a study of efficacy and tolerance." Clin Ther 9 (1987): 536-47
  5. Toft E, Vyberg M, Therkelsen K "Diltiazem-induced granulomatous hepatitis." Histopathology 18 (1991): 474-5
  6. Abramson M, Littlejohn GO "Hepatic reactions to nifedipine." Med J Aust 142 (1985): 47-8
  7. Toner M, White A, Moriarty J, Clancy L "Allergic urticarial eruption, leukocytosis and abnormal liver function tests following nifedipine administration." Chest 93 (1988): 1320-1
  8. Babany G, Uzzan F, Larrey D, et al. "Alcoholic-like liver lesions induced by nifedipine." J Hepatol 9 (1989): 252-5

  Show all 54 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. Brodsky SJ, Cutler SS, Weiner DA, Klein MD "Hepatotoxicity due to treatment with verapamil." Ann Intern Med 94 (1981): 490-1
  10. Somogyi A, Albrecht M, Kliems G, et al. "Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and ECG response of verapamil in patients with liver cirrhosis." Br J Clin Pharmacol 12 (1981): 51-60
  11. Woodcock BG, Rietbrock I, Vohringer HF, Rietbrock N "Verapamil disposition in liver disease and intensive-care patients: kinetics, clearance, and apparent blood flow relationships." Clin Pharmacol Ther 29 (1981): 27-34
  12. Woodcock BG, Rietbrock N "Verapamil bioavailability and dosage in liver disease." Br J Clin Pharmacol 13 (1982): 240-1
  13. Stern EH, Pitchon R, King BD, Wiener I "Possible hepatitis from verapamil." N Engl J Med 306 (1982): 612-3
  14. Stehle G, Buss J, Eibach J, et al. "Cardiogenic shock associated with verapamil in a patient with liver cirrhosis." Lancet 336 (1990): 1079
  15. Hare DL, Horowitz JD "Verapamil hepatotoxicity: a hypersensitivity reaction." Am Heart J 111 (1986): 610-11
  16. Guarascio P, D'Amato C, Sette P, et al. "Liver damage from verapamil." Br Med J 288 (1984): 362-3
  17. Dow RJ, Graham DJM "A reveiw of the human metabolism and pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride." Br J Clin Pharmacol 22 (1986): s195-202
  18. McAllister RG Jr, Hamann SR, Blouin RA "Pharmacokinetics of calcium-entry blockers." Am J Cardiol 55 (1985): b30-40
  19. Kates RE "Calcium antagonists: pharmacokinetic properties." Drugs 25 (1983): 113-24
  20. Finucci GF, Padrini R, Piovan D, et al. "Verapamil pharmacokinetics and liver function in patients with cirrhosis." Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 8 (1988): 123-6
  21. Giacomini KM, Massoud N, Wong FM, Giacomini JC "Decreased binding of verapamil to plasma proteins in patients with liver disease." J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 6 (1984): 924-8
  22. Razak TA, McNeil JJ, Sewell RB, Drummer OH, Smallwood RA, Conway EL, Louis WJ "The effect of hepatic cirrhosis on the pharmacokinetics and blood pressure response to nicardipine." Clin Pharmacol Ther 47 (1990): 463-9
  23. Rush WR, Alexander O, Hall DJ, Cairncross L, Dow RJ, Graham DJ "The metabolism of nicardipine hydrochloride in healthy male volunteers." Xenobiotica 16 (1986): 341-9
  24. Benet LZ "Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of bepridil." Am J Cardiol 55 (1985): c8-13
  25. Kurosawa S, Kurosawa N, Owada E, et al. "Pharmacokinetics of diltiazem in patients with liver cirrhosis." Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 10 (1990): 311-8
  26. Elliott HL, Meredith PA "The clinical consequences of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of amlodipine." Postgrad Med J 67 (1991): s20-3
  27. Stopher DA, Beresford AP, Macrae PV, Humphrey MJ "The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in humans and animals." J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 12 (1988): s55-9
  28. Kleinbloesem CH, van Harten J, Wilson JP, et al. "Nifedipine: kinetics and hemodynamic effects in patients with liver cirrhosis after intravenous and oral administration." Clin Pharmacol Ther 40 (1986): 21-8
  29. Raemsch KD, Sommer J "Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of nifedipine." Hypertension 5 (1983): 18-24
  30. Ramsch KD, Graefe KH, Scherling D, et al. "Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of calcium-blocking agents nifedipine, nitrendipine, and nimodipine." Am J Nephrol 6 (1986): 73-80
  31. Challenor VF, Waller DG, Renwick AG, et al. "The trans-hepatic extraction of nifedipine." Br J Clin Pharmacol 24 (1987): 473-7
  32. Dunselman PH, Edgar B "Felodipine clinical pharmacokinetics." Clin Pharmacokinet 21 (1991): 418-30
  33. Regardh CG, Edgar B, Olsson R, Kendall M, Collste P, Shansky C "Pharmacokinetics of felodipine in patients with liver disease." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 36 (1989): 473-9
  34. Cotting J, Reichen J, Kutz K, Laplanche R, Nuesch E "Pharmacokinetics of isradipine in patients with chronic liver disease." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 38 (1990): 599-603
  35. Tse FL, Jaffe JM "Pharmacokinetics of PN 200-110 (isradipine), a new calcium antagonist, after oral administration in man." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 32 (1987): 361-5
  36. Graham D, Dow R, Hall D, Alexander O, Mroszczak E, Freedman A "The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of nicardipine hydrochloride in man." Br J Clin Pharmacol 20 (1985): s23-8
  37. Gengo FM, Fagan SC, Krol G, Bernhard H "Nimodipine disposition and haemodynamic effects in patients with cirrhosis and age-matched controls." Br J Clin Pharmacol 23 (1987): 47-53
  38. Meredith P, Elliott H "Clinical pharmacokinetics of amlodipine." Clin Pharmacokinet 22 (1992): 22-31
  39. "Product Information. Norvasc (amlodipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  40. "Product Information. Vascor (bepridil)." McNeil Pharmaceutical (2002):
  41. "Product Information. Cardizem (diltiazem)." Hoechst Marion Roussel (2002):
  42. "Product Information. Plendil (felodipine)." Merck & Co., Inc (2002):
  43. "Product Information. Cardene (nicardipine)." Syntex Laboratories Inc (2002):
  44. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  45. "Product Information. Nimotop (nimodipine)." Bayer (2002):
  46. "Product Information. Calan (verapamil)." Searle (2001):
  47. Johnson KE, Balderston SM, Pieper JA, Mann DE, Reiter MJ "Electrophysiologic effects of verapamil metabolites in the isolated heart." J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 17 (1991): 830-7
  48. "Product Information. Dynacirc (isradipine)." Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation
  49. Kumar KL, Colley CA "Verapamil-induced hepatotoxicity." West J Med 160 (1994): 485-6
  50. Traverse JH, Swenson LJ, Mcbride JW "Acute hepatic injury after treatment with diltiazem." Am Heart J 127 (1994): 1636-9
  51. Scherling D, Karl W, Ahr G, Ahr HJ, Wehinger E "Pharmacokinetics of nisoldipine. III. Biotransformation of nisoldipine in rat, dog, monkey, and man." Arzneimittelforschung 38 (1988): 1105-10
  52. "Product Information. Sular (nisoldipine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  53. Abernathy DR, Schwrtz JB "Calcium-antagonist drugs." N Engl J Med 341 (1999): 1447-57
  54. "Product Information. Conjupri (levamlodipine)." CSPC Ouyi Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd (2020):

• Myocardial Infarction

  Major

  Clinical trials studying the use of immediate-release nifedipine in patients who had just sustained myocardial infarctions have not demonstrated any benefit. In fact, in some trials, patients who received immediate-release nifedipine had significantly worse outcomes than patients who received placebo. The manufacturers state that immediate-release formulations of nifedipine should not be administered for 1 week after myocardial infarction. They should also be avoided in the setting of acute coronary syndrome, when infarction may be imminent.

  6 sources

  1. "Product Information. Adalat (nifedipine)." Bayer (2002):
  2. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  3. Furberg CD, Psaty BM, Meyer JV "Nifedipine: dose-related increase in mortality in patients with coronary heart disease." Circulation 92 (1995): 1326-31
  4. Kloner RA "Nifedipine in ischemic heart disease." Circulation 92 (1995): 1074-8
  5. Sleight P "Calcium antagonists during and after myocardial infarction." Drugs 51 (1996): 216-25
  6. Abernathy DR, Schwrtz JB "Calcium-antagonist drugs." N Engl J Med 341 (1999): 1447-57

• Shock, Cardiogenic

  Major

  In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

  6 sources

  1. Stehle G, Buss J, Eibach J, et al. "Cardiogenic shock associated with verapamil in a patient with liver cirrhosis." Lancet 336 (1990): 1079
  2. "Product Information. Vascor (bepridil)." McNeil Pharmaceutical (2002):
  3. "Product Information. Cardizem (diltiazem)." Hoechst Marion Roussel (2002):
  4. "Product Information. Calan (verapamil)." Searle (2001):
  5. Kubota K, Pearce GL, Inman WHW "Vasodilation-related adverse events in diltiazem and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists studied by prescription-event monitoring." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 48 (1995): 1-7
  6. Pahor M, Manto A, Pedone C, Carosella L, Guralnik JM, Carbonin P "Age and severe adverse drug reactions caused by nifedipine and verapamil." J Clin Epidemiol 49 (1996): 921-8

• Heart Failure

  Moderate

  Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have varying degrees of negative inotropic effect. Congestive heart failure (CHF), worsening of CHF, and pulmonary edema have occurred in some patients treated with a CCB, primarily verapamil. Some CCBs have also caused mild to moderate peripheral edema due to localized vasodilation of dependent arterioles and small blood vessels, which can be confused with the effects of increasing left ventricular dysfunction. Although some CCBs have been used in the treatment of CHF, therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, caution is advised in patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened by administration of a CCB.

  29 sources

  1. Gillmer DJ, Kark P "Pulmonary oedema precipitated by nifedipine." Br Med J 280 (1980): 1420-1
  2. Batra AK, Segall PH, Ahmed T "Pulmonary edema with nifedipine in primary pulmonary hypertension." Respiration 47 (1985): 161-3
  3. Myrhed M, Wiholm B-E "Nifedipine: a survey of adverse effects." Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 58 (1986): 133-6
  4. Prigogine T, Waterlot Y, Gottignies P, et al. "Acute nonhemodynamic pulmonary edema with nifedipine in primary pulmonary hypertension." Chest 100 (1991): 563-4
  5. Batlouni M, Armaganijan D, Ghorayeb N, Magliano MF "Clinical efficacy and tolerability of isradipine in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension in young and elderly patients." J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 19 (1992): s53-7
  6. Scheidt S, LeWinter MM, Hermanovich J, Venkataraman K, Freedman D "Efficacy and safety of nicardipine for chronic, stable angina pectoris: a multicenter randomized trial." Am J Cardiol 58 (1986): 715-21
  7. Taylor SH, Frais MA, Lee P, Verma SP, Jackson N, Reynolds G, Silke B "A study of the long-term efficacy and tolerability of oral nicardipine in hypertensive patients." Br J Clin Pharmacol 20 (1985): s139-42
  8. Dubois C, Blanchard D "Efficacy and safety of nicardipine in 29,104 patients with hypertension." Clin Ther 11 (1989): 452-60

  Show all 29 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. Yedinak KC, Lopez LM "Felodipine: a new dihydropyridine calcium-channel antagonist." DICP 25 (1991): 1193-206
  10. Lorimer AR, Pringle SD "The safety of felodipine." J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 15 (1990): s85-9
  11. Sundstedt CD, Ruegg PC, Keller A, Waite R "A multicenter evaluation of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of isradipine in the treatment of essential hypertension." Am J Med 86 (1989): 98-102
  12. Ruegg PC, Nelson DJ "Safety and efficacy of isradipine, alone and in combination, in the treatment of angina pectoris." Am J Med 86 (1989): 70-4
  13. "Product Information. Norvasc (amlodipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  14. "Product Information. Plendil (felodipine)." Merck & Co., Inc (2002):
  15. "Product Information. Cardene (nicardipine)." Syntex Laboratories Inc (2002):
  16. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  17. "Product Information. Nimotop (nimodipine)." Bayer (2002):
  18. "Product Information. Dynacirc (isradipine)." Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation
  19. Walton T, Symes LR "Felodipine and isradipine: new calcium-channel-blocking agents for the treatment of hypertension." Clin Pharm 12 (1993): 261-75
  20. Fagan TC, Haggert BE, Liss C "Efficacy and tolerability of extended-release felodipine and extended-release nifedipine in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension." Clin Ther 16 (1994): 634-46
  21. Blecker D "Antihypertensive therapy with isradipine in patients with special safety concerns." Angiology 45 (1994): 997-1008
  22. Brogden RN, Sorkin EM "Isradipine: an update of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension." Drugs 49 (1995): 618-49
  23. Kubota K, Pearce GL, Inman WHW "Vasodilation-related adverse events in diltiazem and dihydropyridine calcium antagonists studied by prescription-event monitoring." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 48 (1995): 1-7
  24. Johnson BF, Eisner GM, Mcmahon FG, Jain AK, Rudd P, Sowers JR "A multicenter comparison of adverse reaction profiles of isradipine and enalapril at equipotent doses in patients with essential hypertension." J Clin Pharmacol 35 (1995): 484-92
  25. "Product Information. Sular (nisoldipine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2001):
  26. Sleight P "Calcium antagonists during and after myocardial infarction." Drugs 51 (1996): 216-25
  27. Elkayam U "Calcium channel blockers in heart failure." Cardiology 89 (1998): 38-46
  28. Schaefer RM, Aldons PM, Burgess ED, Tilvis R, Singh GP, Rehn L, Morgan TO "Improved tolerability of felodipine compared with amlodipine in elderly hypertensives: A randomised, double-blind study in 535 patients, focusing on vasodilatory adverse events." Int J Clin Pract 52 (1998): 381
  29. Abernathy DR, Schwrtz JB "Calcium-antagonist drugs." N Engl J Med 341 (1999): 1447-57

• Intestinal Obstruction

  Moderate

  The extended-release formulation of nifedipine (Procardia XL) contains a non-deformable material. There have been rare reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures following the ingestion of similar sustained-release products. Therapy with the extended-release formulation of nifedipine should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting severe gastrointestinal narrowing or obstruction, whether pathologic or iatrogenic.

  2 sources

  1. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  2. Smitz S, Bonnet V, Delporte JP "Severe gastrointestinal dysfunction and retention of extended release nifedipine tablets." J Am Geriatr Soc 46 (1998): 656-7

• Kidney Diseases

  Moderate

  Although the clearance of nifedipine is not dependent on renal function, use of the drug in patients with uremia has been associated with enhanced pharmacologic effects, possibly due to increased sensitivity to the drug or reduced protein binding. Rarely, reversible elevations in BUN and serum creatinine have been reported in patients with preexisting chronic renal insufficiency given nifedipine, although a causal relationship has not been established. Nephritis and renal failure have also been observed. Therapy with nifedipine should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal function.

  17 sources

  1. Echizen H, Eichelbaum M "Clinical pharmacokinetics of verapamil, nifedipine and diltiazem." Clin Pharmacokinet 11 (1986): 425-49
  2. Scoble JE, Uff JS, Eastwood B "Nifedipine nephritis." Clin Nephrol 21 (1984): 302
  3. Diamond JR, Cheung JY, Fang LS "Nifedipine-induced renal dysfunction." Am J Med 77 (1984): 905-9
  4. Hall-Craggs M, Light PD, Peters RW "Development of immune complex nephritis during treatment with the calcium channel-blocking agent nifedipine." Hum Pathol 15 (1984): 691-4
  5. Eicher JC, Morelon P, Chalopin JM, et al. "Acute renal failure during nifedipine therapy in a patient with congestive heart failure." Crit Care Med 16 (1988): 1163-4
  6. Cacoub P, Deray JY, Deray G, et al. "Nifedipine-induced acute renal failure." Clin Nephrol 29 (1988): 272-3
  7. Zucchelli P, Zuccala A, Borghi M, et al. "Long-term comparison between captopril and nifedipine in the progression of renal insufficiency." Kidney Int 42 (1992): 452-8
  8. McAllister RG Jr, Hamann SR, Blouin RA "Pharmacokinetics of calcium-entry blockers." Am J Cardiol 55 (1985): b30-40

  Show all 17 sourcesShow fewer sources

  9. Kates RE "Calcium antagonists: pharmacokinetic properties." Drugs 25 (1983): 113-24
  10. Kleinbloesem CH, van Brummelen P, van Harten J, et al. "Nifedipine: influence of renal function on pharmacokinetic/hemodynamic relationship." Clin Pharmacol Ther 37 (1985): 563-74
  11. Robertson DR, Waller DG, Renwick AG, George CF "Age-related changes in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nifedipine." Br J Clin Pharmacol 25 (1988): 297-305
  12. van Bortel L, Bohm R, Mooij J, et al. "Total and free steady-state plasma levels and pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in patients with terminal renal failure." Eur J Clin Pharmacol 37 (1989): 185-9
  13. Ene MD, Roberts CJ "Pharmacokinetics of nifedipine after oral administration in chronic liver disease." J Clin Pharmacol 27 (1987): 1001-4
  14. "Product Information. Adalat (nifedipine)." Bayer (2002):
  15. "Product Information. Procardia (nifedipine)." Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  16. Diamond JR, Cheung JY, Fang LST "Nifedipine-induced renal dysfunction." Am J Med 77 (1984): 905-9
  17. Pahor M, Manto A, Pedone C, Carosella L, Guralnik JM, Carbonin P "Age and severe adverse drug reactions caused by nifedipine and verapamil." J Clin Epidemiol 49 (1996): 921-8

Therapeutic duplication

Drug classes that overlap with Nifedipine, so taking both doubles up the same effect. This source publishes no per-row citations for duplication.

• calcium channel blockers

  The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one.Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category.

  Example product in the source data (US market): Amlodipine/perindopril

• calcium channel blockers

  The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one.Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category.

  Example product in the source data (US market): Tekamlo

• calcium channel blockers

  The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one.Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category.

  Example product in the source data (US market): Amturnide

• calcium channel blockers

  The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one.Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category.

  Example product in the source data (US market): Trandolapril/verapamil

• calcium channel blockers

  The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one.Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category.

  Example product in the source data (US market): Caduet

• calcium channel blockers

  The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'calcium channel blockers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one.Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'calcium channel blockers' category.

  Example product in the source data (US market): Lotrel