Nifedipine dosage

Calcium channel blockers are meds that inhibit the movement of calcium via channels of calcium. These drugs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. Caregivers find it working well to reduce stiffness of larger blood vessels. In fact, such stiffness remains one of the salient causes for increase in systolic blood pressure levels, especially among elderly people. As an extended use, calcium channel blockers are taken for reducing pain in chest region, caused by onset of angina. Nifedipine is a popular drug in this genre. It is helpful to know more about nifedipine dosage.

Antihypertensive meds are chiefly administered for the management of high blood pressure. If hypertension is left unattended, it can lead to further complications. Conditions such as renal dysfunction, myocardial infraction, cardiac problems, stroke, etc. can arise. Meds belonging to categories like ACE inhibiting drugs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, etc. are used to control blood pressure.

Of these drugs, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) derive their name from their ability to restrict calcium flow through their channel. Some cells have channels for the flow of calcium through them. Upon receipt of needful signals, these cells let calcium to flow into them. CCBs restrict the widening of these calcium channels and thus reduce the adverse effects. Also, CCBs are known to reduce stiffening of arteries (and veins). This function helps reduce systolic pressure to come down.

In this light, what is nifedipine?

Nifedipine is a CCB used for easing your arteries as well as cardiac muscles. Its easing property helps reduce high blood pressure, pains in chest due to angina, etc. This med can help you to workout / exercise regularly. You are advised to take dosages as per your treatment plan. This drug is however never administered while you are having angina / chest pain. If you are down with angina, your caregiver may prescribe drugs like nitroglycerin as a sublingual offering.

Typical dosage plan is thrice every day. You can take it either before or after food. Strength of nifedipine is dependent on how acute is your clinical condition as well as how your body responds to the initial few doses.

Nifedipine dosage for hypertension

This calcium channel blocker is available as an oral pill. Its strength ranges from 10 milligrams (mg) to 20 mg. It can also be procured an extended-release pill. Here, its strength ranges from 30 mg, 60 mg to 90 mg. Nifedipine dosage for adults is usually pegged at 30 mg, taken once each day. In some acute cases, dosage strength of 60 mg is considered as a starting dose.

In general, your caregiving team may enhance the dosage strength once every week or fortnight. The maximum dose must not breach 120 mg within 24-hour timeline. This drug is not fully studied for being used among children or teens. Owing to likely risks, this medication is never administered to children below 18 years of age.

Nifedipine pregnancy dosage

This is a category C pregnancy medication. This indicates that research done on animals indicate a few adverse outcomes when mothers took this med. Category C also means that adequate number of studies have not been done to ascertain the damages can do to fetus. It becomes an essential thing to tell your caregiver of your pregnancy plans or if you are already pregnant.

This medication must never be used when its likely benefits do not fully justify the likely risks it poses to pregnant women and their fetus. Hence, it is extremely important to tell your doctor if you are already pregnant.

As an added precaution, you need to know that the active ingredients of nifedipine can enter into mother’s milk. This entry can cause a few severe side effects. So, if your health condition requires the intake of nifedipine, you may be advised to stop nursing your infant while you are taking this calcium channel blocker.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.