Calcigard-10 Cap

Side Effects of Calcigard-10 Cap

Peripheral oedema, hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia, flushing, dizziness, headache, nausea, increased micturition frequency, lethargy, eye pain, mental depression, visual disturbances, gingival hyperplasia, myalgia, tremor, impotence, fever, paradoxical increase in ischaemic chest pain during initiation of treatment, rashes, abnormalities in liver function (including cholestasis), GI obstruction in some tablets covered in indigestable membrane.

Drug Interactions

Potentiates antihypertensives. Increases the effects of neuromuscular-blocking agents and CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. theophylline, aminophylline). Enhances toxic effects of magnesium. Enhanced antihypertensive effects with alpha 1-blockers, aldesleukin, and antipsychotics. Reduced effects with calcium. With concurrent use with quinidine, serum concentration is increased while reduced in quinidine. Decreased levels/effects with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, nafcillin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampicin). Increased levels/effects with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, cimetidine, erythromycin, and HIV-protease inhibitors).

Contraindications

Acute MI, cardiogenic shock, acute unstable angina, treatment of anginal attack in chronic stable angina.

Mechanism of Action

Nifedipine blocks the slow calcium channels thus preventing the flow of calcium ions into the cell. It produces peripheral and coronary vasodilatation, reduces afterload, peripheral resistance and BP, increases coronary blood flow and causes reflex tachycardia. It has little or no effect on cardiac conduction and rarely has negative inotropic activity. Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed from the GI tract (oral); peak plasma concentrations after 30 min (as liquid-filled capsules). Distribution: Enters breast milk. Protein-binding: 92-98%. Metabolism: Extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism. Excretion: Via urine (70-80% as inactive metabolites); 2 hr(elimination half-life).

Special Precautions

Hypotension, poor cardiac reserve, heart failure (deterioration has been noted), severe aortic stenosis, hepatic impairment, DM, porphyric patients, pregnancy. Avoid abrupt withdrawal (associated with exacerbation of angina). Discontinue if with ischaemic pain following administration.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.