Drug interactions
Nifedipine + Phentolamine
Severity: Moderate
Nifedipine and Phentolamine: moderate 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
Phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic blocker that causes vasodilation and can cause marked hypotension and reflex tachycardia. Added to nifedipine, which also dilates arteries, the blood pressure lowering effect may be excessive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nifedipine and Phentolamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Nifedipine belongs to Cardiovascular; Phentolamine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive vasodilation through alpha-1 blockade and calcium channel blockade.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely, especially with parenteral phentolamine. Titrate doses carefully and be ready to treat hypotension.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Nifedipine
Other interactions of Phentolamine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nifedipine with Phentolamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nifedipine and Phentolamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic blocker that causes vasodilation and can cause marked hypotension and reflex tachycardia. Added to nifedipine, which also dilates arteries, the blood pressure lowering effect may be excessive.
How serious is the interaction between Nifedipine and Phentolamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood pressure and heart rate closely, especially with parenteral phentolamine. Titrate doses carefully and be ready to treat hypotension.
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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