Cardiology · Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Nifedipine MR
Dose
Retard 20 mg BD; MR (Adalat LA) 30–90 mg OD. Tocolysis: 20 mg PO then 10–20 mg q6h.
Mechanism
Arterial vasodilation via L-type Ca blockade.
Indications
- • Hypertension (esp pregnancy)
- • Raynaud's
- • Tocolysis
Contraindications
- • Cardiogenic shock
- • Unstable angina
- • Severe AS
Use
Preferred DHP CCB in pregnancy HTN.
Monitoring
BP, HR, ankle oedema.
Side effects
- • Reflex tachycardia (with IR)
- • Flushing
- • Ankle oedema
- • Headache
Pregnancy safety
Safe — first-line oral in severe pregnancy HTN.
Related in WardRound
High-Altitude Illness (HACE/HAPE)
Protocol · Descend + O₂ + drugs
Severe Pre-eclampsia
Protocol · BP + Mg + delivery timing
Severe HTN in Pregnancy / Eclampsia
Protocol · Labetalol / hydralazine + MgSO4
Pre-eclampsia
Topic · Obs/Gynae
Pre-eclampsia
Topic · Obs/Gynae
Severe Pregnancy Hypertension
Topic · Obstetrics
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
