Description
Nifedipine belongs to the class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain brought on by exercise or stress). It works to control blood pressure and reduce the number of angina attacks by relaxing blood vessels. The immediate-acting form of nifedipine is also used to treat coronary spasm, the sudden constriction of the coronary artery in the heart.
The usual starting dose for treatment of high blood pressure is 20 mg to 30 mg of a long-acting formula of nifedipine (extended release tablets, XL tablets, or PA tablets) once daily. For the treatment of angina, the usual starting dose is 30 mg. The maximum recommended daily dose is 90 mg.
For the extended-release tablets, or XL tablets, the recommended doses range from 20 mg to 90 mg once daily.
For capsules (immediate-release form), the recommended doses range from 5 mg to 20 mg three or four times daily, to a maximum of 120 mg taken each day.
Nifedipine may be taken with or without food. The long-acting forms of the medication should be swallowed whole and should not be bitten, crushed, chewed or divided. Dosage is based on individual tolerance and response, and should be started at a low dose. Higher doses (e.g., 60 mg or 90 mg) are not recommended for initial treatment. Higher doses should be used for treatment once the dose has been stabilized.
