Generic Adalat

Introduction

Adalat is a prescription medication containing the calcium‑channel blocker nifedipine. It belongs to the blood‑pressure therapeutic group and is primarily used to lower high arterial pressure and to relieve angina pectoris. In the United Kingdom, Adalat is marketed by Bayer plc and is also prescribed for certain cardiac rhythm disorders. The drug’s vasodilatory effect makes it a cornerstone treatment for several cardiovascular conditions where reduction of systemic vascular resistance is required.

What is Adalat?

Adalat is a tablet formulation of nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium‑channel antagonist. Developed in the 197s, it was introduced under the trade name Adalat by Bayer and has become a widely recognised option for hypertension and angina management. The product is available in immediate‑release (IR) and extended‑release (ER) tablets, each delivering a predetermined amount of nifedipine to achieve steady plasma concentrations.

• Classification: Antihypertensive, anti‑anginal calcium‑channel blocker.
• Active ingredient: Nifedipine (generic name).
• Manufacturer (UK): Bayer plc, a subsidiary of Bayer AG.

How Adalat Works

Nifedipine blocks L‑type calcium channels located on the smooth muscle cells of arterial walls and the myocardium. By inhibiting calcium influx, the drug prevents the contractile cascade that leads to vasoconstriction. The result is arterial smooth‑muscle relaxation, reduced peripheral vascular resistance, and a consequent fall in blood pressure.

In the coronary circulation, the same mechanism dilates epicardial vessels and improves oxygen delivery to the myocardium, alleviating angina symptoms. The immediate‑release formulation begins to act within 30 minutes, while extended‑release tablets maintain therapeutic levels for up to 24 hours, allowing once‑daily dosing in most patients. Nifedipine is metabolised primarily by hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes and eliminated via the urine and bile; its half‑life ranges from 2 to 5 hours for the IR form and up to 12 hours for the ER form.

Conditions Treated with Adalat

• Essential (primary) hypertension – Approximately 30 % of UK adults have elevated blood pressure; nifedipine reduces systolic and diastolic values, lowering cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic stable angina – By improving coronary blood flow, Adalat reduces the frequency of exertional chest pain episodes.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon (severe) – Off‑label use leverages peripheral vasodilation to lessen vasospastic attacks.
• Hypertensive emergencies (in IV form, not oral) – In acute settings, rapid blood‑pressure control can be achieved under specialist supervision.

These indications are supported by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) technology appraisal guidance and the British National Formulary (BNF) recommendations for first‑line or add‑on therapy when other agents are insufficient.

Who is Adalat For?

Adalat is appropriate for adult patients who require pharmacologic reduction of systemic vascular resistance or relief of myocardial oxygen demand. Typical candidates include:

• Adults diagnosed with stage 1 or stage 2 essential hypertension who have not achieved target blood pressure with lifestyle modification alone.
• Patients with documented chronic stable angina who remain symptomatic despite beta‑blockers or nitrates.
• Individuals with reversible peripheral vasospasm (e.g., severe Raynaud’s) where other vasodilators are ineffective.

Contra‑indications include severe aortic stenosis, uncontrolled heart failure (NYHA class III/IV), and known hypersensitivity to nifedipine or other dihydropyridines. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, as metabolism may be reduced, and in the elderly, where dose titration is often necessary.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache, flushing, and peripheral edema (most frequent in the lower limbs).
• Reflex tachycardia, especially after the first dose of immediate‑release tablets.
• Dizziness or light‑headedness related to orthostatic hypotension.

Rare

• Gingival hyperplasia (over‑growth of gum tissue).
• Elevated liver enzymes indicating mild hepatotoxicity.
• Severe hypotension leading to syncope in patients with volume depletion.

Serious

• Myocardial infarction or worsening angina (rare, usually linked to sudden drops in blood pressure).
• Life‑threatening arrhythmias, especially when combined with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes, requiring close glucose monitoring.

Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) increase nifedipine plasma levels, heightening the risk of hypotension.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin) reduce efficacy by accelerating clearance.
• Concurrent antihypertensives (beta‑blockers, ACE inhibitors) may cause additive blood‑pressure lowering; dose adjustments are often required.
• Grapefruit juice interferes with CYP3A4 metabolism and should be avoided.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their healthcare professional before initiating therapy.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing for hypertension (extended‑release): 30 mg once daily, titrated up to 60 mg daily if needed.
• Standard dosing for angina (immediate‑release): 10 mg taken three times daily; some clinicians prefer an ER formulation (30–60 mg once daily).
• Missed dose: Take the missed tablet as soon as remembered if more than 4 hours have not passed; otherwise skip it and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include profound hypotension, bradycardia, and syncope. Immediate medical attention is required; supportive care with intravenous fluids and vasopressors is standard. Activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion was recent.

Precautions:

• Take Adalat with food to lessen peak‑dose flushing.
• Avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate blood‑pressure reductions.
• Patients with renal impairment should have renal function monitored, although dose adjustment is rarely required.

Buying Adalat from Our Online Pharmacy

Adalat can be safely obtained from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers several advantages for patients seeking reliable, cost‑effective access to this essential cardiovascular medication:

• Affordability: Prices are set close to manufacturer cost, delivering significant savings compared with many high‑street pharmacies.
• Verified quality: We source Adalat only from licensed, GMP‑certified suppliers, guaranteeing product integrity and authenticity.
• Discrete, reliable delivery: Orders are packaged securely and dispatched via express (typically 7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with tracking available for every shipment.
• International reach: As a pharmacy broker service, we partner with overseas licensed pharmacies, enabling patients to obtain medicines that may be scarce locally while maintaining strict privacy standards.

Our platform is designed for adults who have limited access to traditional pharmacy channels or who prefer a straightforward, confidential method for obtaining their prescribed medication.

FAQ

• Can Adalat be taken with other blood‑pressure medicines?
  Yes, it is often combined with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta‑blockers to achieve tighter blood‑pressure control. However, clinicians usually start with low doses and monitor for excessive hypotension.

• Is there a difference between immediate‑release and extended‑release tablets?
  Immediate‑release nifedipine is taken three times daily and produces rapid peaks in plasma concentration, which can cause flushing. Extended‑release tablets are designed for once‑daily dosing, providing steadier blood levels and improved tolerability.

• What should I do if I develop swelling in my ankles while on Adalat?
  Peripheral edema is a common side effect. Elevating the legs, reducing salt intake, and wearing compression stockings can help. If swelling becomes pronounced or painful, contact a healthcare professional for possible dose adjustment.

• Does Adalat interact with over‑the‑counter pain relievers?
  Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may blunt the antihypertensive effect of nifedipine. Acetaminophen generally does not interfere, but it is advisable to discuss all OTC use with a clinician.

• How should Adalat be stored during the summer months?
  Keep tablets in their original blister pack, stored at controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C). Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high humidity, as these conditions can degrade the active ingredient over time.

• Is Adalat safe for people with mild liver disease?
  Nifedipine is metabolised by the liver; mild hepatic impairment usually does not require dose reduction, but liver function tests should be monitored regularly.

• Can I travel internationally with Adalat tablets?
  Yes, but you should carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter, as some countries require documentation for personal import of prescription drugs.

• What are the visible characteristics of Adalat tablets?
  Immediate‑release tablets are round, blue, and debossed with “10 mg”. Extended‑release tablets are oval, white, and marked with “30 mg”. Inactive ingredients include lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

• Are there any special warnings for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
  Nifedipine is classified as Category C in the UK; it should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the risk. It crosses into breast milk in low amounts, and a clinician should evaluate safety on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Why might my blood‑pressure readings fall sharply after the first dose?
  The first dose of nifedipine, especially the immediate‑release form, can cause an abrupt vasodilation leading to transient hypotension. Starting with a low dose or using the extended‑release formulation mitigates this effect.

• Is Adalat detectable on standard drug‑testing panels?
  Nifedipine is not screened for in routine employment or sports drug tests, as it is not a performance‑enhancing or illicit substance.

Glossary

Calcium‑channel blocker

A class of drugs that inhibit the entry of calcium ions into vascular smooth‑muscle cells, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac workload.

Extended‑release (ER)

A tablet formulation designed to release the active ingredient slowly over time, allowing once‑daily dosing and more stable plasma concentrations.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver responsible for metabolising many medications, including nifedipine; its activity can be increased or decreased by other substances, altering drug levels.

Peripheral edema

Accumulation of fluid in the lower limbs, often seen as swelling of the ankles and feet, common with vasodilators that increase capillary hydrostatic pressure.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Adalat is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Adalat for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.