Nifedipine
Also known as: Adalat
What it's for
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure and angina. It relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to your heart.
Comes as: Tablets or capsules (usually modified-release)
How to take it
- Adults: Dose varies depending on the formulation.
- Modified-release: Usually 20mg to 90mg once or twice daily.
- Swallow whole - do not crush or chew.
- Take at the same time each day.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Flushing (feeling hot or red)
- Headache
- Swollen ankles
- Dizziness
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
- Do not stop suddenly without medical advice
- Swallow modified-release tablets whole
- May cause dizziness - take care when driving
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe chest pain
- You have severe swelling in your legs
- You have a fast or irregular heartbeat
- You have severe dizziness or fainting
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.