Nifedipine

It is a dihydropyridine derivative.


Actions:
It causes vasodilation of the arteries. It may cause peripheral vasodilation resulting in the decrease of total peripheral vascular resistance, resulting in decline of blood pressure declining oxygen requirement of the heart muscles.

It rarely affects on cardiac conduction or heart rate.

It may also decrease insulin secretion.


Dosage and administration:
It is administered orally and is available as extended release tablets.

Pharmacokinetics:
It undergoes hepatic metabolism and the metabolites (metabolism products) are excreted in urine and feces.

Therapeutic uses:
It is Useful in the treatment of variant angina (due to spontaneous coronary spasm).

Adverse effects:
Flushing, headache, hypotension, reflex tachycardia, peripheral edema, constipation,