Drug interactions
Ethanol + Nifedipine
Severity: Minor
Ethanol and Nifedipine: minor interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Alcohol causes vasodilation and can add to the blood pressure lowering effect of nifedipine, leading to dizziness, flushing or orthostatic hypotension. A pharmacokinetic increase in nifedipine levels has been suggested but is not well established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethanol and Nifedipine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive vasodilation, with possible minor inhibition of nifedipine metabolism.
What to do
Advise patients to limit alcohol intake and to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, especially after starting or increasing nifedipine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Nifedipine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethanol with Nifedipine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ethanol and Nifedipine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Alcohol causes vasodilation and can add to the blood pressure lowering effect of nifedipine, leading to dizziness, flushing or orthostatic hypotension. A pharmacokinetic increase in nifedipine levels has been suggested but is not well established.
How serious is the interaction between Ethanol and Nifedipine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to limit alcohol intake and to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, especially after starting or increasing nifedipine.
What other medicines interact with Nifedipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nifedipine with, for example, Amifostine, Amlodipine-benazepril, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Nifedipine page.
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