Adalat (generic name: Nifedipine; brand names include: Nicardia / Nifedical / Procardia) is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.

Adalat is used to:

Treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
Prevent chronic stable angina (chest pain)

Adalat is one of the best researched antihypertensive drugs. Clinical studies such as INSIGHT and ACTION have clearly shown that Adalat can help optimise blood pressure control and prevent long-term cardiovascular damage.

Adalat was the first calcium channel blocker to be shown to significantly reduce the development of new overt heart failure in patients with coronary artery disease. Excellent blood-pressure control in recent clinical trials has been shown to result in significant protection against stroke.

Scientific evidence shows that Adalat has some of the best results for long-term clinical outcome.

Adalat works by opening up blood vessels in the body to lower blood pressure and improve the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Calcium channel blockers do not change the amount of calcium in your blood or bones.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Adalat exactly as directed.

Adalat can be taken with or without meals. The tablets must not be chewed or broken up. They are to be swallowed whole with some liquid. Do not halve the tablets.

Do not stop taking the tablets unless you are told to do so by your doctor.

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Adalat regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Adalat.

If you forget to take your Adalat tablet(s) at the right time, take it as soon as you remember, then continue as normal for the next dose. If you do not remember until it is almost time to take your next dose (ie. within 6 hours of your next dose), then skip the dose that you forgot but be sure to take the next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. If you have missed several doses, consult your doctor.

Keep your Adalat tablets in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Precautions

Before taking Adalat, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have any other heart conditions, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes;
you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or you are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: nifedipine.