Generic Adalat

Adalat is often used in its generic form, nifedipine, and is a member of the family of medications known as calcium channel blockers. Adalat is commonly used to treat chest pain and hypertension, as well as some other heart conditions. Calcium channel blockers widen and relax the blood vessels to allow the blood to pump more efficiently and effectively through the body, easing the strain of pumping on the heart.

Patients with a medical history which includes liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, low blood pressure, sick sinus syndrome, or aortic stenosis may not be able to take Adalat or may need to be carefully monitored while undergoing drug therapy with Adalat, depending on the condition, the severity of the condition, and the overall health of the patient. Physicians should always conduct a thorough medical history prior to prescribing medications.

Adalat received a pregnancy risk rating category C, meaning that it has yet to be determined whether or not this medication will cause harm or birth defects in a developing fetus. Adalat has been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and can affect a nursing baby. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not be prescribed Adalat.

There are a number of side effects associated with Adalat, and it is possible for a small percentage of patients to experience severe side effects or allergic reactions. In the event that a patient taking Adalat experiences serious adverse effects, they should seek medical help immediately. Allergic reactions may include itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. Other serious adverse effects may include swelling of the legs or ankles, severe dizziness, fainting, fast heart rate, slow heart rate, yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, and psychosis.

Adalat is more commonly associated with side effects such as flushing, fatigue, insomnia, an increase in urination, vivid dreams, abnormal dreams, headaches, sleepiness, nausea, or constipation. Side effects such as these generally do not require medical attention, although patients should be encouraged to report their side effects to the prescribing physician. Side effects can often be alleviated to a more comfortable level by altering the dose of Adalat.

Patients should not alter their own dosage of medication without the prescribing physician’s consent. Taking too much Adalat or taking doses too closely together can result in an overdose, which may result in serious health consequences and would require immediate medical attention. An overdose may cause rapid heart beat, dangerously slow heart rate, dizziness, confusion, fainting, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, coma, and death. Should the patient miss a dose, the dose can simply be taken as soon as it is remembered, unless it is almost times for the next regularly scheduled dose. In this case the missed dose can be skipped.

Patients should be aware that taking certain medications with Adalat can result in serious health consequences, the reduction of medication effectiveness, or lead to additional health complications. The prescribing physician should take an assessment of the patient’s current medications before prescribing Adalat to any patient. Medications with a known history of interactions include cimetidine, additional heart medications, phenytoin, itraconazole, erythromycin, carbamazapine, and rifampin. Before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications, additional prescriptions, and herbal and vitamin supplements, patients should always inquire with the prescribing physician or pharmacists to guard against accidental medicine interactions. Patients should also be advised to avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit products while taking Adalat as this can cause dangerous interactions.