Drug Name Classificatio

Mechanism of
Action

Indications

Side effects

Nursing
responsibilitie
s

Generic
Name:

Cardiovas
cular

Nifedipine

agent;
Calcium
channel

Brand

blocker
Antiarrhyt

name:

hmic(Class
Adalat,
Procardia,
Afeditab,
Nifediac

iv)
Nonnitrate

Calcium
channel blocking
agent that
selectively
blocks ion influx
across cell
membranes of
cardiac muscles
and vascular

vasodilato

smooth muscle

without
changing serum
calcium

Dosage,

concentrations.

route and

Class IV

frequency:

antiarrhythmic

Capsules:1
0 or 20 mg
Tablets:
30,

60,

Indications:
For the
managemen
t of
vasospastic
angina,
chronic
stable
angina and
hypertension
.
Contraindicatio
ns:
Known

Constipation
difficulty

Assessment &
Drug Effects

breathing or
swallowing
dizziness or

Monitor BP
carefully

lightheadednes

during titration

s
enlargement of

period. Patient

gum tissue
around teeth
fast heartbeat
flushing
(feeling of
warmth)
Headache

may become
severely
hypotensive,
especially if
also taking
other drugs
known to lower
BP.
Monitor blood

hypersensitivit

sugar in

y reaction to

diabetic

nifedipine.

patients.
Nifedipine has
diabetogenic

and 90 mg
Oral
q8

properties.
Monitor for
gingival
hyperplasia
and report
promptly. This
is a rare but
serious
adverse effect
(similar to
phenytoininduced
hyperplasia).
Patient &
Family
Education
Be aware
that
withdrawal
symptoms
may occur

with abrupt
discontinuati
on of the
drug (chest
pain,
increase in
anginal
episodes, MI,
dysrhythmias
).
Inspect gums
visually
every day.
Changes in
gingivae may
be gradual,
and bleeding
may be
exhibited
only with
probing.

 Do not breast
feed while
taking this
drug without
consulting
physician.