Here is a complete overview of Nifedipine Tablet 10 mg, excluding any brand names:
💊 Nifedipine Tablet 10 mg
✅ DESCRIPTION
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used mainly to lower blood pressure and manage certain cardiovascular conditions. It is also used off-label in obstetrics to treat preterm labor as a tocolytic (labor suppressant).
🧪 FORMULATION
- Active Ingredient: Nifedipine 10 mg
- Dosage Form: Immediate-release tablet (oral)
- Route of Administration: Oral
- Packaging: Usually in strips or blister packs
🌿 NATURE
- Type: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
- Pharmacological Class: Antihypertensive / Anti-anginal / Smooth muscle relaxant
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle and myocardium → vasodilation, reduced peripheral resistance, and lowered blood pressure.
💊 USES
🔹 Primary Indications:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Angina pectoris (chronic stable or vasospastic)
🔹 Obstetric Use (Off-label):
- Tocolysis: Used to delay preterm labor by relaxing uterine muscles
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Rapid onset of action (within 20–30 minutes)
- Effective as a first-line oral tocolytic in preterm labor
- Non-invasive (oral route)
- Better safety profile than beta-mimetics in obstetric use
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
❗ Contraindications:
- Hypotension (low BP)
- Aortic stenosis
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Known hypersensitivity
💢 Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness or flushing
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Nausea
- Peripheral edema (swelling in feet/hands)
⚠️ Pregnancy & Lactation:
- Considered safe in pregnancy for short-term use (tocolysis)
- Use cautiously with monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate
📅 TOCOLYTIC DOSING (Preterm Labor)
| Dose | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 10–20 mg orally | Initially |
| Then 10 mg every 6–8 hrs | For up to 48–72 hours (max 120 mg/day) |
Always under physician supervision
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 15°C to 30°C (room temperature)
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original blister pack until use
- Keep out of reach of children