Drug reference
nifedipine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (CCBs)
Mechanism of action
Calcium-channel blocker; inhibits transmembrane influx of extracellular calcium ions across myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cell membranes without changing serum calcium concentrations; this results in inhibition of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating main coronary and systemic arteries
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Peripheral edema
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nifedipine or other calcium-channel blockers Cardiogenic shock Concomitant administration with strong CYP3A4 inducers (eg, rifampin, rifabutin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St John's wort) significantly reduces nifedipine efficacy Immediate release preparati…
Known interactions (4)
- atenolol + nifedipine Moderate
- doxazosin + nifedipine Moderate
- nifedipine + verapamil Moderate
- everolimus + nifedipine Minor
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is nifedipine?
nifedipine belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does nifedipine work?
Calcium-channel blocker; inhibits transmembrane influx of extracellular calcium ions across myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cell membranes without changing serum calcium concentrations; this results in inhibition of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating main coronary and systemic arteries
What are the common side effects of nifedipine?
Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Heartburn, Peripheral edema
Which drugs interact with nifedipine?
atenolol, doxazosin, verapamil, everolimus
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