Adalat (Calcium Channel Blocker)
Common use:
The medication belongs to a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers and decreases trans-membrane calcium ion flux through calcium channels to the myocardiocytes and smooth muscle cells of coronary and peripheral vessels and arteries.
Adalat widens coronary arteries during coronary spasm and influences vessel segments in areas of partial stenosis. It prevents coronary spasm by decreasing the tone of smooth muscles in coronary arteries, increases coronary perfusion, and improves oxygen supply to the myocardium. This facilitates blood pumping and reduces heart workload.
Adalat is used for
hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat
angina.
Dosage and direction:
The common dose for
Adalat capsules is
10 to 20 mg three times daily. Swallow capsules whole. Extended-release tablets should be taken once a day, with a usual daily dose of
30 or 60 mg, and can be increased up to
120 mg if necessary. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or cut.
Adalat can be taken with food. For rapid relief of hypertensive crisis, a single dose of
10 mg may be taken, with another dose in
30 minutes if needed.
Precautions:
Adalat is in the FDA pregnancy category C. If over
65 years old, consult your doctor for possible lower dosage. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can increase medication levels in the blood.
Contraindications:
Consult a doctor before use if you have
allergy to Adalat, are
pregnant or breastfeeding, have
cardiogenic shock, are taking
Rifampicin, have
acute hypotension, or have had
ileostomy after proctocolectomy; also if under
18 years old. Use with caution in cases of
cardiac insufficiency,
severe aortic stenosis,
acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular failure,
hepatic failure,
cerebrovascular disorders,
hypovolaemia, and
malignant arterial hypertension.
Possible side effects:
Severe reactions requiring immediate medical attention include
allergy,
unusually fast or slow heartbeats,
severe dizziness or fainting,
psychosis,
jaundice, and
oedema of legs or ankles. Less serious effects include
headache,
fatigue,
flushing,
insomnia,
vivid or abnormal dreams,
nausea,
constipation, and
increased urination, which may worsen with alcohol.
Drug interaction:
Rarely,
Adalat has been associated with
congestive heart failure, especially in patients on
beta-blockers. Hypotension may occur, particularly with other blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Nifedipine can increase
digoxin toxicity.
Missed dose:
Never take a double dose. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.
Overdose:
If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include
dizziness,
weakness,
chest pain,
difficulty breathing,
fainting,
unusually fast or slow heartbeat,
coma,
slurred speech, and
confusion.
Storage:
Store tablets at
15-25°C (59-77°F) away from light, moisture, and humidity.
