Adalat prescribing information |
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Adalat description
Adalat has been used for over 3 decades for the management of hypertension. It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs to provide a controlled blood pressure throughout a 24 hour period. It delays the onset of cardiovascular diseases and prevents the damage of the end organ. It also prevents the risk to cardiovascular tissue and cardiovascular events.
About the Drug
Adalat is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) such drugs promote dilation (widening) of the blood vessels, reducing resistance to blood flow which results in a decreased blood pressure. The dilation of the blood vessels improves oxygen supply to the heart, relieving angina (chest pain) and reducing blood pressure. Constriction of the blood vessels leads to an increase in the blood pressure and this constriction occurs as a result of the contraction of the vascular muscles. These contractions depend on the passage of calcium ions across membranes and by blocking the calcium channels, adalat prevents the contraction of the vascular muscles allowing them to relax opening up the blood vessel.
Adalat is also used in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon a circulatory disorder which leads to spastic contraction of the blood vessels in the hand in cold conditions. This results in numbness and a painful pale white appearance of the hand. Adalat treats this by causing the blood vessels in the palm to relax hence restoring normal blood circulation to the region.
How to Take
Although short acting formulations of adalat are recommended for use in relieving the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon, the long acting formulations are more efficient for long term treatment of high blood pressure. Using the short acting treatment for high blood pressure in the long term is not recommended as this may lead to sudden jumps in blood pressure and a sharp increase in heart rate as a result. The unique long acting formulation used in adalat allows it to release the active ingredient (nifedipine) slowly over a longer period (24 hours) such that a single dose is required for sustained low blood pressure for a day; compared to other nifedipine formulations. Since the release rate of the active ingredient from the formulation is unaffected by the surrounding conditions such as PH and nutritional constituents, adalat can be taken regardless of meal times.
Overdose
Taking adalat beyond the recommended dose could result in hypotension, fainting, respiratory problems, dizziness and arrhythmia. Seek medical attension if you think you might have overdosed.
Contraindications
Adalat used in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors, and alpha blocker could increase the efficiency of high blood pressure control. However when used in combination with contraindicative drugs this could have some adverse effect. It is therefore necessary to inform your doctor before proceeding with an adalat based therapy.
Possible side effect
People taking adalat MAY experience any of the following Headache, depression, fatigue, swollen ankles (as a result of fluid retention), dizziness, flushing, heart palpitations, skin reactions, tremor, increased rate of bladder filling, paraesthesia, gingival hyperplasia, gynaecomastia, impotence, visual problems, increased heart rate, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, abdominal pain and vomiting.
Drug Interaction
Adalat used in combination with other blood pressure lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors, and alpha blocker could increase the efficiency of high blood pressure control. However when used in combination with contraindicative drugs this could have some adverse effect. It is therefore necessary to inform your doctor before proceeding with an adalat based therapy. Prior to initiating drug therapy inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers
The safety and efficacy of the drug in pregnant and nursingmother is yet to be adequately examined. Therefore it is not recommended for both groups. The doctor might occasionally recommend it where the benefit of giving the medication to the mother outweighs the risk to the unborn or breastfeeding child.
Adalat notes
Available with the product brand name: Procardia, is a highly effective drug prescribed for treating the condition of severe chest pain known as angina pectories. Adalat works by relaxing the coronary arteries, thereby helping to prevent chest pains that are caused as a result of coronary artery spasm. Since coronary artery blockage or spasm is caused as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to the heart, adalat (Procardia) prevents physical exertion and also controls high blood pressure. It also helps in opening the blood vessels that are affected by the spasm caused by Raynaud's phenomenon.
Since adalat is metabolized primarily by the liver, patients affected by liver dysfunction should avoid this medicine. Note that consuming grapefruit along with this drug should also be avoided to prevent adalat grapefruit interaction that can increase the effect of the medication. Taking adalat during pregnancy is also prohibited. Most importantly, it is prohibited to consume alcohol while taking this drug because of the side effects related to adalat and alcohol. It may increase drowsiness and dizziness along with the decrease of blood pressure.
You should also be aware of various adalat side effects that can occur such as dizziness, headache, flushing, edema (swelling) of the lower extremities, dilation of the arteries etc. Some rare side effects of adalat include nausea, dizziness, and constipation. People suffering from obstructive coronary artery disorder should also avoid taking this drug as in rare cases it is found that it can increase the severity and frequency of angina. However, in certain people reduction of blood pressure may occur in the initial stages. Therefore, it is recommended to use the drug only after proper medical consultation.
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Hypotensive agents
 Adalat prescribing information
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