Adalat CC (Nifedipine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 7, 2012

Adalat

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) »

What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and how do they work?

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries.

The entry of calcium is critical for the conduction of the electrical signal that passes from muscle cell to muscle cell of the heart, and signals the cells to contract.
It also is necessary in order for the muscle cells to contract and thereby pump blood.
In the arteries, the entry of calcium into muscle cells causes contraction of the cells and thereby dilates (widens) the arteries.
Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries.
Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
Combined with decr...

Read the Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) article »

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ADALAT® CC
(nifedipine) Extended Release Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Adalat® CC (nifedipine) is an extended release tablet dosage form of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. Nifedipine is 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-dimethyl ester, C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₆, and has the structural formula:

ADALAT® CC (nifedipine) Structural Formula Illustration

Nifedipine is a yellow crystalline substance, practically insoluble in water but soluble in ethanol. It has a molecular weight of 346.3. Adalat CC (nifedipine) tablets consist of an external coat and an internal core. Both contain nifedipine, the coat as a slow release formulation and the core as a fast release formulation. Adalat CC tablets contain either: 30, 60, or 90 mg of nifedipine for once-a-day oral administration.

Inert ingredients in the formulation are: hydroxypropylcellulose, lactose, corn starch, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The inert ingredients in the film coating for Adalat CC (nifedipine) 30 and 60 are: hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, ferric oxide, and titanium dioxide. The inert ingredients in the film coating for Adalat CC (nifedipine) 90 are: hypromellose, polyethylene glycol and ferric oxide.

What are the possible side effects of nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia XL)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking nifedipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
severe dizziness or fainting;
psychosis;
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); or
swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less...

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What are the precautions when taking nifedipine (Adalat CC)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other calcium channel blockers (e.g., felodipine, amlodipine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis), liver problems, kidney problems, a certain metabolic disorder (porphyria).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/14/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.