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
Hypolar* Retard 20 tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension and the prophylaxis of chronic stable angina pectoris. Hypolar* Retard 20 has no therapeutic antiarrhythmic effect.
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
17 products
Uses
NIFEDIPINE (nifedipine capsules) is indicated for: • Management of angina resulting from coronary artery spasm. • Management of chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents.
NIFEDIPINE may be used in combination with beta blocking drugs in patients with chronic stable angina, but available information is not sufficient to predict with confidence the effects of concurrent treatment, especially in patients with compromised left ventricular function or cardiac conduction abnormalities.
When introducing such concomitant therapy care must be taken to monitor blood pressure closely, since severe hypotension can occur from the combined effects of the drugs (see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Cardiovascular). 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.
USUnited States· FDA
7 products
Uses
INDICATIONS & USAGE I. Vasospastic Angina Nifedipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the management of vasospastic angina confirmed by any of the following criteria: 1) classical pattern of angina at rest accompanied by ST segment elevation, 2) angina or coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine, or 3) angiographically demonstrated coronary artery spasm.
In those patients who have had angiography, the presence of significant fixed obstructive disease is not incompatible with the diagnosis of vasospastic angina, provided that the above criteria are satisfied. , where pain has a variable threshold on exertion, or in unstable angina where electrocardiographic findings are compatible with intermittent vasospasm, or when angina is refractory to nitrates and/or adequate doses of beta blockers.
II. Chronic Stable Angina (Classical Effort-Associated Angina) Nifedipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the management of chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents.
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) · PL044160245 · revised February 20, 2026
- [2]Health Canada (DPD) · 00725110 · revised March 22, 2025
- [3]FDA DailyMed · 09a04e5f-d3b0-4e… · revised June 6, 2019 [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.