Nifedipine and the benefits of having your medication home delivered

Nifedipine is a medication used to lower blood pressure, and it can also be used to help relieve chest pain.

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The benefits of having medication delivered

Non-adherence to medication is a major reason why treatments shown to be effective in trials are often less effective in clinical practice.

Medicine home delivery helps improve care by ensuring patients have their Nifedipine when they need it, which increases treatment adherence and saves unnecessary trips to traditional pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse, or Priceline.

That’s why 92% of users of the Chemist2U app report that the app is a helpful tool to maintain their healthcare.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Matt Cullen
Last updated 26 June 2024

Some essential information about Nifedipine

If you’ve been prescribed Nifedipine, it’s important to understand how it works, how to take it, and its possible side effects.

Chemist2U provides a convenient solution, for those with busy schedules or mobility challenges, by offering home delivery services for nifedipine and other medications, ensuring that managing your medication is as seamless as possible.

In this article

How does Nifedipine work?

Nifedipine is a medication used to lower blood pressure, and it can also be used to help relieve chest pain. It works by targeting certain cells in the walls of blood vessels and the heart. Normally, these cells use calcium to tighten up and narrow the blood vessels, which raises blood pressure. Nifedipine blocks calcium from entering these cells, preventing them from narrowing the blood vessels.

As a result, the blood vessels relax and widen, making it easier for blood to flow through them, which lowers blood pressure. Additionally, by improving blood flow, the heart gets more oxygen, which helps with chest pain.

In simple terms, nifedipine keeps blood vessels open and relaxed, helping to lower blood pressure and increase oxygen in the heart.[1]

How do you take Nifedipine?

When taking a Nifedipine tablet or capsule, swallow it whole; do not break, chew, crush, or open it unless otherwise specified by your doctor.

Generally, you can take nifedipine with or without food. However, it’s always advisable to check the instructions specific to the brand you are taking, as recommendations may vary. Take note that you might see what appears to be an intact tablet in your stool. This is usually just the shell of the tablet, which your body doesn’t digest, and there’s nothing to worry about.

If you’re taking nifedipine in liquid form, give the bottle a good shake before use. It should come with a special syringe or spoon to make sure you get the correct dose. If you didn’t get one, ask your pharmacist for help. Be sure to avoid using a regular kitchen teaspoon, as it won’t give you an accurate measurement.[2]

Who can take Nifedipine?

Most individuals who are eighteen years old or older can take nifedipine. In some cases, doctors may prescribe nifedipine for children, but this is less common.

Take note that this medication is not suitable for all individuals, which is why a doctor must examine your medical history before starting. Some people who may not be able to take this medication are those with diabetes, liver disease, or certain heart conditions, such as recent heart attacks, heart failure, or unstable angina.[3]

Side effects of Nifedipine

Like any blood pressure lowering drugs such as amlodipine or irbesartan, taking nifedipine can cause side effects in some people. Here’s a list of what you might experience and what actions to take:

Common Side Effects

These side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. If you experience them, there are ways to help manage them:

  • Headaches
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Flushing (feeling warm and red)
  • A fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Swollen legs or ankles (oedema)
  • Constipation

If these side effects bother you or don’t go away after a few days, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are rare, but if they do occur, you need to take immediate action:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes: This could be a sign of liver problems. Stop taking nifedipine and call your doctor right away.
  • Chest pain: If you experience chest pain that doesn’t stop after a few minutes, is new, or worse, especially if you have angina, call emergency services immediately. This could be a sign of a heart attack.

Serious Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

In very rare cases, nifedipine can cause a serious allergic reaction. You need to act fast if you notice:

  • Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Rapid breathing or feeling like you’re choking
  • Skin turning blue, grey, or pale (look at the palms or soles on darker skin)
  • Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
  • Fainting or unresponsiveness
  • A child being limp, floppy, or not responding normally

If you or someone else shows signs of a serious allergic reaction, call emergency services immediately. These symptoms require urgent medical attention.[4]

Nifedipine and other medications

Informing your doctor about all medications and supplements you’re taking is crucial when you’re prescribed Nifedipine. By sharing this information, your doctor can make informed decisions about your nifedipine treatment, ensuring it’s safe and effective for you.

Medicines you should not use with Nifedipine

When taking nifedipine, it’s important to be cautious with certain other medicines due to potential interactions:

  • Azole antifungals and antibiotics
  • Nefazodone and fluoxetine
  • Antiviral drugs
  • Rifampin, rifabutin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Antiarrhythmics, other calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II blockers, beta blockers, and central alpha1 blockers
  • Digoxin
  • Anticoagulant
  • Diuretics[5]

How to order home delivery of Nifedipine with Chemist2U

Ordering your prescription medications, including those for blood pressure management and hypertension treatment, with Chemist2U is a streamlined process.

Whether you’re trying to understand your nifedipine dosage through our ‘Ask a Pharmacist’ feature, seeking to learn more about atenolol or coversyl, or needing a calcium channel blocker like nifedipine extended release for chronic heart conditions, our platform caters to your needs.

Simply download our app or navigate our website to upload your eScript for nifedipine generic name or other prescription medications efficiently. Additionally, our extensive range of pharmacy goods supports a comprehensive heart health plan, catering to paediatric use, migraine prevention, and care for elderly patients.

Each order is meticulously prepared by a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy within your local community, adhering to the highest standards of care. With Chemist2U, experience the convenience of same-day delivery to your doorstep in metro and major regional areas across Australia for the majority of medications.

Have your medication home delivered by Chemist2U today!

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537052/

[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Nifedipine/how-and-when-to-take-Nifedipine/#:~:text=You%20can%20 take%20Nifedipine%20at,pharmacist%20has%20said%20you%20can.

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Nifedipine/who-can-and-cannot-take-Nifedipine/#:~:text=Most%20adults%20aged%2018%20and,It’s%20occasionally%20prescribed%20for%20children.

[4] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Nifedipine/side-effects-of-Nifedipine/

[5] https://www.rxlist.com/adalat-drug.htm#indications

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