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Nifedipine Hydrochloride is a potent calcium channel blocker primarily used to manage hypertension and angina pectoris.
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used in the management of hypertension and angina pectoris; its FDA-approved indications are chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina, and hypertension.[1] By blocking voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and myocardial cells, it reduces intracellular calcium, which decreases peripheral arterial resistance and dilates the coronary arteries.[1]
Nifedipine is also used off-label for Raynaud phenomenon.[1]
Nifedipine is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Extended-release preparations have been shown to have a sustained 24-hour antihypertensive effect with fewer adverse effects, while immediate-release preparations can cause rapid vasodilation followed by reflex sympathetic activation.[1] Immediate-release nifedipine should be avoided in hypertensive emergencies and urgencies.[1]
Prescribers should be aware of potential drug interactions. Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and roughly doubles nifedipine exposure, and CYP3A4 inducers such as phenytoin can markedly reduce nifedipine levels.[1] A beta-blocker may be added to overcome reflex tachycardia.[1] Common side effects include flushing, peripheral edema, dizziness, and headache.[1]
Bayview compounds nifedipine preparations on a prescriber's order.
Each of these is compounded to order at our pharmacy and requires a prescription.
A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.
It is a compounded, prescription medication applied to the anal area. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, and used this way it relaxes the ring of muscle around the anus. Providers most often prescribe it for anal fissures, small tears in the skin of the anal canal that cause sharp pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Bayview compounds it at 0.3% strength as an ointment.
They are the two calcium channel blockers commonly compounded for fissures, and they work the same way: relaxing the anal sphincter so the tear can heal. The strengths differ (0.3% for nifedipine, 2% for diltiazem) because of how each drug is typically used, not because one is stronger in effect. Your provider chooses between them based on your history and their experience.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
