Generic Adalat (Nifedipine)

Introduction

Adalat is a prescription medication that contains the calcium-channel blocker nifedipine. It is formulated as oral tablets available in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Nifedipine belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium-channel antagonists and is primarily used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent chest pain caused by coronary artery disease (stable angina). The drug is also approved for the treatment of certain forms of coronary artery spasm. In clinical practice, nifedipine is marketed under several well-known brand names, including Adalat, Procardia, and Nifedical.

What is Adalat?

Adalat is the trade name for a tablet that delivers the active compound nifedipine. Nifedipine was first synthesized in the early s and received regulatory approval in the United States in 1981 for hypertension and angina. The medication is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies worldwide; formulations sold in the United States are typically produced by Pfizer (the original developer) and licensed generic manufacturers.

• Classification: Calcium-channel blocker (dihydropyridine subtype)
• Therapeutic group: Antihypertensive and anti-anginal agents

How Adalat Works

Nifedipine blocks L-type calcium channels located on the smooth muscle cells of arterial walls. By inhibiting calcium influx, the drug prevents contraction of these muscles, leading to vasodilation of peripheral arterioles. The resulting reduction in systemic vascular resistance lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In coronary arteries, vasodilation improves oxygen delivery to the myocardium, reducing the frequency and severity of angina episodes.

Onset of action for the immediate-release tablets occurs within 30-60 minutes, with peak plasma concentrations at 2-4 hours. The drug is extensively metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4; the biological half-life ranges from 2 to 5 hours, which is why multiple daily doses are required for the immediate-release formulation. Extended-release (ER) versions provide a smoother plasma profile and allow once-daily dosing.

Conditions Treated with Adalat

• Hypertension: Nifedipine reduces peripheral resistance, helping patients achieve target blood-pressure goals as defined by current clinical guidelines (e.g., <130/80 mm Hg for most adults).
• Chronic stable angina: By dilating coronary arteries, nifedipine diminishes myocardial oxygen demand and alleviates exertional chest pain.
• Coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetal’s angina): The vasodilatory effect prevents episodic constriction of coronary vessels, reducing the risk of transient ischemia.

For each of these indications, regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) have evaluated the balance of efficacy and safety, leading to formal approval of nifedipine tablets in the listed strengths.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Adalat

• Raynaud’s phenomenon: Small-vessel vasospasm causing digital ischemia. Small clinical trials have demonstrated that low-dose nifedipine can lessen attack frequency and severity, though the indication is not formally approved.
• Migraine prophylaxis: Some neurologists prescribe nifedipine as an adjunct to established migraine preventives, citing modest reductions in attack frequency in open-label studies.
• Preterm labor (tocolysis): Nifedipine is sometimes used to suppress uterine contractions when preterm birth is imminent. Randomized trials have shown comparable efficacy to β-agonists with a more favorable side-effect profile, but the use remains off-label in many jurisdictions.

These applications are not approved by the FDA, EMA, or other major regulators. Patients should discuss any off-label consideration with a qualified healthcare provider, who can weigh the limited evidence against potential risks.

Is Adalat the Right Medication for You?

Adalat is most appropriate for adults who have:

• Diagnosed essential hypertension that requires pharmacologic control, especially when a vasodilatory mechanism is desired.
• Documented stable angina or documented coronary artery spasm unresponsive to lifestyle measures alone.

It may be less suitable for patients with:

• Severe aortic stenosis or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (risk of reflex tachycardia).
• Advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (may worsen fluid retention).
• Significant hepatic impairment (reduced metabolism leads to higher plasma levels).

A thorough medical assessment, including blood-pressure measurement, cardiac evaluation, and liver-function testing, helps determine suitability.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Peripheral edema (especially ankle swelling)
• Dizziness or light-headedness, particularly upon standing (orthostatic hypotension)

Rare

• Gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue)
• Myalgia or muscle cramps
• Elevated liver enzymes

Serious

• Severe hypotension leading to syncope or organ hypoperfusion
• Acute myocardial infarction (rare, usually in patients with pre-existing coronary disease)
• Arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia in the setting of overdose
• Hepatic failure (very uncommon, reported in case studies)

Drug-Drug and Drug-Food Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) increase nifedipine concentrations and may precipitate hypotension.
• Grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins that inhibit CYP3A4, similarly raising plasma levels; patients should avoid large quantities.
• Concomitant antihypertensives (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics) can produce additive blood-pressure lowering; dose adjustments may be required.
• Digoxin: Nifedipine can raise digoxin levels indirectly by reducing renal perfusion; monitor serum digoxin when both are used.
• Alcohol: Central nervous-system depressants may enhance dizziness and faintness.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing for hypertension (immediate-release): 30 mg three times daily, or 10 mg three times daily for patients sensitive to blood-pressure changes.
• Standard dosing for angina (immediate-release): 10 mg three times daily; some clinicians start at 5 mg to minimize reflex tachycardia.
• Extended-release formulations: Typically 30 mg to 60 mg once daily; the exact dose depends on the therapeutic goal and patient tolerance.

Missed dose: If a dose is missed and the scheduled time for the next dose is more than 4 hours away, take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. If it is within 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.

Overdose: Symptoms may include profound hypotension, severe headache, bradycardia, or cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate medical attention is required; treatment is supportive, focusing on blood-pressure stabilization and cardiac monitoring. Activated charcoal may be considered if the ingestion was recent and the patient is alert.

Practical precautions:

• Take tablets with a full glass of water; food does not markedly affect absorption but may reduce gastrointestinal upset.
• Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you know how nifedipine affects you, especially during the first few days of therapy.
• Alcohol should be limited, as it can worsen dizziness.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel across time zones while taking Adalat?   Adjust the dosing schedule gradually to align with the new local time, aiming to keep the interval between doses consistent (approximately 8 hours for immediate-release tablets). If you cross more than three time zones, discuss a temporary schedule change with your prescriber.

• Can I store Adalat tablets in a humid environment, such as a bathroom cabinet?   Tablets should be kept in a dry, tightly sealed container at room temperature (20-25 °C). High humidity can degrade the active ingredient and affect potency.

• What does an Adalat tablet look like, and how can I differentiate strengths?   Immediate-release nifedipine tablets are round, biconvex, and typically scored. The 10 mg strength is often white, 20 mg may be pink, and 30 mg is commonly yellow or orange, but exact coloration can vary by manufacturer.

• Is nifedipine safe for people with mild liver disease?   Mild hepatic impairment usually does not require dose adjustment, but clinicians may monitor plasma levels and liver-function tests more closely. Severe liver disease warrants a reduced dose or alternative therapy.

• Will taking Adalat affect standard drug-testing panels at work?   Nifedipine is not a controlled substance and does not appear on typical occupational drug-screening panels. However, specialized tests could detect it if specifically requested.

• How does Adalat compare to older antihypertensives like hydralazine?   Nifedipine provides more predictable blood-pressure control with a lower incidence of reflex tachycardia than hydralazine. Additionally, nifedipine’s once-daily extended-release formulation improves adherence.

• Why do some patients develop swollen ankles while on Adalat?   Peripheral edema results from preferential dilation of arterioles, which raises capillary hydrostatic pressure and promotes fluid leakage into interstitial tissue. Dose reduction or combination with a diuretic often alleviates the problem.

• Can I take Adalat with a low-dose aspirin regimen?   Concurrent low-dose aspirin is generally safe and may provide additive cardiovascular protection. Nonetheless, monitor for any increase in gastrointestinal discomfort.

• Is there a difference in efficacy between the immediate-release and extended-release tablets?   Both formulations lower blood pressure effectively; the extended-release version offers steadier plasma concentrations and reduces dosing frequency, which can improve adherence and minimize peak-related side effects.

• Does grapefruit juice completely block the effect of Adalat?   Grapefruit juice inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme that metabolizes nifedipine, leading to higher drug levels and an increased risk of hypotension. Occasional small amounts may be tolerated, but regular consumption should be avoided.

Glossary

Calcium-channel blocker

A class of medications that inhibit the flow of calcium ions into vascular smooth-muscle cells, causing vasodilation and reduced cardiac workload.

Systolic blood pressure

The pressure in arteries during heart-beat contraction; the upper number in a blood-pressure reading (e.g., 120 mm Hg).

First-pass metabolism

The rapid hepatic breakdown of a drug after oral ingestion, which reduces the amount reaching systemic circulation.

Bioavailability

The proportion of an administered dose that enters the bloodstream unchanged; for immediate-release nifedipine, it is roughly 45 % due to extensive first-pass metabolism.

Buying Adalat from Our Online Pharmacy

Adalat (generic nifedipine) is available for purchase through our online pharmacy. We source the medication directly from licensed, internationally accredited manufacturers, ensuring that each tablet meets stringent quality standards at a cost close to the original wholesale price.

• Affordability: By eliminating traditional retail mark-ups, we provide a cost-effective alternative for patients who face high out-of-pocket expenses.
• Verified quality: Every batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis and is stored under controlled temperature conditions before shipment.
• Discreet delivery: Packages are packaged in unmarked envelopes and dispatched via reliable carriers, with standard delivery within 7 days for express service and approximately 3 weeks for regular airmail.
• Privacy-focused service: As a pharmacy broker, we work with overseas licensed pharmacies that respect patient confidentiality, offering a secure checkout experience and optional delivery to an alternative address.

Patients who encounter limited access to nifedipine through local pharmacies or whose insurance plans do not cover the generic formulation can consider this service as a practical solution. All orders are processed in compliance with applicable regulations, and our support team is available to answer product-related questions while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Adalat is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label applications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of evaluating health information. Our online pharmacy provides a means of obtaining generic nifedipine for individuals who may encounter limited availability or high costs through conventional channels. Always consult a medical provider before initiating, adjusting, or discontinuing any medication.