Nifedipine
Dihydropyridine Derivatives
Sold as ADALAT XL · ADALAT OROS · ADIPINE MR 10 · ADIPINE MR 20 · VALNI 20 RETARD
- Drug class
- Dihydropyridine Derivatives
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Rectal, Oral
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 68
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 2,349
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Nifedipine is a medication belonging to the dihydropyridine derivatives drug class [1]. It is approved for the management of vasospastic angina [1]. This condition can be confirmed by specific criteria, including a classical pattern of angina at rest with ST segment elevation, angina or coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine, or angiographically demonstrated coronary artery spasm [1]. The presence of significant fixed obstructive disease is not incompatible with this indication in patients who have undergone angiography [1].
Nifedipine is available under various brand names [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 2,349 adverse event reports associated with nifedipine [2]. The most frequently reported events include off-label use, diarrhea, drug ineffectiveness, headache, and dyspnea [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 44 | May 29, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 17 | February 4, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 7 | March 19, 2026 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
44 products
Uses
Used in the prophylaxis of chronic stable angina pectoris and in the treatment of hypertension and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Nifedipine is a potent antagonist of calcium influx through the slow channel of the cell membrane of cardiac and smooth muscle cells.
It is known to be an effective and relatively well tolerated prophylaxis for chronic stable angina and mild to severe hypertension. The antihypertensive effects of nifedipine are achieved by causing peripheral vasodilation resulting in a reduction in peripheral resistance.
Nifedipine reduces blood pressure in hypertension but has little effect in normotensive individuals. It has no therapeutic antiarrhythmic effect.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
17 products
Uses
Seaford Nifedipine and Lidocaine Hydrochloride Cream is indicated in adults for the management of chronic primary anal fissure unresponsive to stool softeners and topical anesthetic agents. 1 Pediatrics Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): No data are available to Health Canada; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use.
2 Geriatrics Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): No data is available to Health Canada. Therefore, caution should be exercised in this population, and close monitoring is warranted. Evidence from experience suggests that the use of Lidocaine in the geriatric population is associated with differences in safety.
(see 4. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION- Special Populations and 7. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS-Special Populations).
USUnited States· FDA
7 products
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Nifedipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Nifedipine. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Showing 240 of 600. Type above to find a specific drug.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL556120085 · revised May 29, 2026
- [2]Health Canada (DPD) · 02548283 · revised February 4, 2026
- [3]FDA DailyMed · 0b4e9bbc-4c16-46… · revised March 19, 2026 [PDF]
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.