Adalat

Nifedipine is the generic name of Adalat. This particular medication is under the drug class known as calcium channel blockers, which restricts calcium transport through the muscle cells of the arteries. Calcium is considered to be essential in the contraction of muscles. By restricting calcium flow, the artery muscles are relaxed and arteries are dilated. This process useful in the prevention of angina or chest pain, brought about by spasms in the coronary artery.

The use of Adalat is associated with the treatment of high blood pressure. When the muscles are relaxed, the blood pressure is reduced, easing the burden experienced by the heart when pumping blood in the body. Reducing the burden on the patient’s heart also reduces the oxygen demand, and eventually preventing angina among patients suffering from coronary artery condition.

Adalat is available in either 10 mg or 20 mg capsules. Extended release Adalat CC tablets can be bought in dosages equivalent to 30, 60 or 90 mg. To achieve optimum efficiency, the medication has to be regularly taken in. Adalat is used to prevent chest pains, increase tolerance for exercise, and minimize the occurrence of angina. However it is not recommended for use as treatment for chest pain attacks. Other medications, such as sublingual nitroglycerin, should be taken when seeking relief from such attacks.

Adalat is also usually prescribed alone, or along with other drugs, for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Reducing a patient’s blood pressure actually lessens the likelihood of heart attacks, kidney problems, and strokes.

Adalat medication should be taken orally without food, typically three times each day, or as prescribed by the doctor. The Adalat tablets should not be chewed, crushed or broken into pieces, but should be swallowed whole. Sometimes, the doctor may alter the dosage, depending on the patient’s age, health condition, and their reaction to the treatment.

Patients may be advised to stay away from grapefruit juice as it is said to cause an increase in the amount of medication in their bloodstreams. Medication should also be taken in about the same time every day. Adalat is usually prescribed as a regular medication for hypertensive patients, and should be used regardless if the patient feels fine.

It is not appropriate to abruptly end the use of Adalat without doctor’s advise. Otherwise, the patient’s medical condition may worsen as soon as the use of the drug is immediately ceased. The dose, however, may be gradually reduced.

There are adverse effects associated with the medication. Common Adalat side effects include: headache, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, flushing, and heartburn. Patients are then advised to get up in a leisurely fashion when in a lying or sitting position so as to minimize these side effects. Some patients may observe the presence of a soft matter in their stool. This seems like a shell of an empty tablet, but is actually very harmless.

Although there are several potential side effects linked with the use of Adalat, the medication is still prescribed because of the fact that it can offer more benefits than risks. In fact, a lot of people who are taking this particular drug do not experience other side effects than the very minor ones.

Rare side effects may occur though, and these are: swollen joints, tiredness, worse chest pains, shortness of breath, mood changes, muscle cramps, frequent urination, tingling of feet and hands, and sexual problems.

There are very serious symptoms which may be experienced by a few patients. In case highly bothersome side effects or serious ones occur, the doctor should be immediately notified about them. Otherwise, Adalat will serve to do anything but its actual purpose.