Adalat - Nifedipine

What is it?

Composition

Adalat contains the active substance nifedipine, which belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. This substance has the ability to relax the smooth muscles of blood vessels, reducing their tone and improving blood circulation. The composition of the drug also includes auxiliary components that ensure the stability, absorption and preservation of the dosage form.

The main components of the drug include:

• Nifedipine as an active substance.
• Lactose or other auxiliary base (depending on the release form).
• Stabilizers and fillers to improve the texture and uniform distribution of the active substance.
• Tablet coating (if a prolonged-release form is used) for slow release of nifedipine.

Each release form may have its own unique set of auxiliary substances, so it is important to clarify the composition in the instructions, especially if there is an allergy to any of the components.

How to use?

Adalat should be used strictly according to the doctors recommendations. The dosage and frequency of administration depend on the disease, the patients condition and the form of the drug. Usually, the drug is taken orally with a sufficient amount of water, preferably after meals for better absorption and minimization of side effects.

Recommended method of use:

1. Before starting treatment, carefully read the instructions and consult a doctor.
2. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing or breaking, to preserve the slow-release properties.
3. It is better to take the drug at the same time of day to maintain a stable level of the active substance in the blood.
4. You should not suddenly stop taking the drug to avoid possible deterioration of the condition.

If you miss a dose, it is important to consult a doctor before taking the missed tablet or doubling the dose.

How does it work?

Adalat works due to its main component - nifedipine, which is a calcium channel blocker. This drug affects the processes occurring in the smooth muscles of blood vessels, reducing the flow of calcium ions into cells. This mechanism ensures the expansion of blood vessels, reducing their resistance and improving blood flow.

The main action of Adalat is aimed at:

Lowering blood pressure. Due to the expansion of blood vessels, the load on the heart and overall blood tone are reduced.
Improving oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. This is especially important in angina pectoris, when lack of oxygen can cause pain and discomfort.
Stabilization of the cardiovascular system. The drug helps prevent sudden vascular spasms, which improves the overall well-being of the patient.
The effect of Adalat appears quite quickly, and prolonged-action forms provide a long-lasting and uniform therapeutic effect.

Indications

Adalat is used to treat various cardiovascular diseases associated with high blood pressure or impaired blood flow. Due to its vasodilatory effect, the drug helps improve the condition in a number of chronic and acute pathologies.

The main indications include:

• Arterial hypertension - persistently high blood pressure that requires long-term drug control.
• Stable angina - pain in the heart that occurs during physical exertion and is caused by a lack of oxygen.
• Prinzmetals angina (vasospastic) - a rare form of angina caused by spasms of the coronary arteries.
• Chronic ischemic heart disease - conditions accompanied by limited blood supply to the heart muscle.

Adalat can be prescribed as an independent agent or as part of combination therapy, but its use requires mandatory medical supervision.

Contraindications

Adalat, despite its effectiveness, has a number of contraindications that should be taken into account before starting treatment. Some conditions can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of therapy, so it is important to consult a doctor and carefully read the instructions.

The drug is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• Individual intolerance to nifedipine or other components of the drug.
• Pregnancy (especially the first trimester) and breastfeeding.
• Cardiogenic shock or severe hypotension (low blood pressure).
• Aortic stenosis - significant narrowing of the aortic valve.
• Acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina.
• Severe liver or kidney dysfunction (severe).

Patients with chronic diseases or taking other medications should inform their doctor about this to avoid possible interactions.

Side effects

Adalat may cause side effects, which do not occur in all patients and usually depend on the dosage, duration of treatment and individual characteristics of the body. Most adverse reactions are reversible and disappear after dose adjustment or drug discontinuation.

The most common side effects:

• Headaches and dizziness - may be associated with a sharp decrease in blood pressure.
• Flushing of the face (hot flashes) due to the expansion of peripheral vessels.
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia), especially at the beginning of treatment.
• Swelling of the legs and ankles caused by fluid retention in the tissues.
• Nausea, abdominal pain or stool disorders.
• Weakness or feeling of fatigue.

Allergic reactions, liver dysfunction or more serious symptoms may occur less frequently. If any adverse effects occur, you should immediately consult a doctor for assessment of the condition and possible adjustment of therapy.