Nefidipine

dr.joan

Nefidipine :

Trade names: Pressolat, Adalat

Class: calcium channel blocking agent (anti-angina, antihypertensive).

Pregnancy: (Category C)

Action:

These agents inhibit the influx of calcium through the cell membrane resulting in a depression of automatically and conduction velocity in both smooth and cardiac muscles leading to:

1. Myocardial contractility. .

2. Inhibit spasm of coronary arteries dilatation.

3. Peripheral vasodilatation peripheral resistance.

4. S. A. node automatically and conduction heart rate.

Uses:

vasospastic angina, essential hypertension

Dose:

Raynaud's phenomenon, initially 5 mg 3 times daily, adjusted according to response to 20 mg 3 times daily ,angina prophylaxis not recommended, Hypertension, not recommended modified release : hypertension, 20–30 mg once daily, increased if necessary; max. 90 mg once daily , Angina prophylaxis, 30 mg once daily, increased if necessary; max. 90 mg once daily

Contraindications:

hypersensitivity, lactation

Side effects:

• pulmonary and peripheral edema
• hypotension
• headache
• upset stomach
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excessive tiredness
• flushing (feeling of warmth)
• heartburn
• Tachycardia
• muscle cramps
• enlargement of gum tissue around teeth
• constipation
• nasal congestion
• cough
• decreased sexual ability

Nursing considerations:

• Discuss with the patient/family the goals of therapy.
• Teach them how to take pulse and blood pressure. Hold the medication in case of hypotension or bradycardia and consult the treating Dr.
• Instruct the client to report any untoward sings as dizziness.
• In case of postural hypotension, advise the client to change position.
• Advise client to sit down immediately if fainting occurs.

Calcium antagonists should be taken with meals to GI irritation